Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation for Catholics. Although the Church encourages attendance, it is not required. Fasting and abstaining from meat is. This means that if you are a three meal a day person, two of those meals together should not exceed the main meal. Don't get silly and pig out at the main meal to compensate. That defeats the purpose, as does lobster bisque, shrimp drenched scallops and fine wine.
Abstaining from meat is a requirement for everyone, even the elderly who don't need to fast.
Let's start Lent right. If you are unable to go to church, why not read the gospels. If you prefer stories, Inside the Gospel at shareagepress.wordpress.com offers a fictional look at people who encounter Christ.
Lent is a great time to lose extra pounds, share the wealth, or simply meditate. It's also a good time to learn to hold your tongue and be nice to others. As St. James wrote in his epistle, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is in vain."
Have at it.
Let me tell you I think everyone in town was at the church when we went on Wednsday. The parking lot was overflowing. You'd think it was easter sunday or something.
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