A Homily for Ash Wednesday. Readings: Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20-6: 2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. History and Ash Wednesday illustrate a mutual truth: Ideas are much easier to suggest than to suppress.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. So, it’s time to ask that age-old question, “What are you giving up for Lent?” Lent is one of the oldest observances on the Christian calendar.

The Lent period begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on February 14. It is also the time Christians give up meat on Fridays for the roughly 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday.

Valentine's Day 2024 falls on Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Here are ideas for celebrating this mid-week Valentine's at home, on a budget.