Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving, prayer and fasting: Live simply and at peace | Examiner.com

The Catholic penitential season of Lent starts early in 2016, on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. Through acts of prayer, fasting, meditation, a Catholic seeks to imitate Christ's suffering and passion. Those acts give back, too, in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. They're the deepest Christian expression, but they aren't exclusively Christian. Most major religions have similar elements. No human could really imitate the divine. But it shouldn't prevent trying. Here's how a Catholic family can observe Lenten sacrifice from a world religions perspective.  Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving, prayer and fasting: Live simply and at peace | Examiner.com

Lenten fasting: Give up for Lent, lose weight, illness, debt, depression

Mardi Gras is a Catholic festival season that culminates on Fat Tuesday and takes the faithful into Ash Wednesday and the penitential season of Lent, The commonly known practice is Lenten fasting or choosing something to give up for Lent and it's not just for the Catholic. Everyone, Catholic or not, should quit feasting on Fat Tuesday and pick an addiction to give up for Lent. Don't worry, that's no religious agenda, just common sense. Lenten fasting is healthy for everyone! Give up junk food for Lent and you might lose weight, illness, debt, and depression! You don't have to fast for religious reasons but a spiritual fast can be very healing.   Lenten fasting: Give up for Lent, lose weight, illness, debt, depression | Examiner.com