What is Ash Wednesday
According to Wikipedia Ashe Wednesday is
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. An ancient example of one expressing one’s penitence is found in Job 42:3-6.
And just to show Wikipedia is right on the money here is what Catholic.org had to say
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.
I was interested because, I never really understood why we put ashes on our foreheads. Growing up I had them put on me because it was what I was told to do. Then when moved and changed denominations and I don’t remember having ashes put on my head anymore. The church I currently attend does not have an Ash Wednesday service, so with everyone celebrating it I was interested in why it is done.
As I read through the purpose of Ashe Wednesday I find it interesting that the main idea is one of repentance and humility. I wonder how many of the people who go to a service today and then walk the streets with the ashes on their forehead are doing it for that reason, and how many are doing it because of tradition(the “It’s what I’ve always done”).
Do you celebrate Ash Wednesday with a church service/mass? Do you celebrate Lent by forsaking luxury or giving something up? Or, do you have other ways of fostering repentance and humility in your walk with Christ?
Tedward's Ramblings 