Ash Wednesday
What’s the reason for ashes on Ash Wednesday?
As you know, Jesus retreated into the wilderness and fasted for forty days to prepare for his ministry. It was for Him a time of contemplation, reflection, and preparation.
By observing Lent, most Christians join Jesus on His retreat. Lent consists of the forty
days before Easter, not counting Sundays, because they are always the joyful celebration of the Resurrection. Therefore,
the first day of Lent is always a Wednesday. In ancient times, people marked times of fasting, prayer, repentance, and remorse by placing ashes on their foreheads, as in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, and Jeremiah 6:26. This scriptural custom entered the church from Judaism, and it is most appropriate on Ash Wednesday, when we begin a period of sober reflection, self-examination, and spiritual redirection.
Traditionally, the ashes for the Ash Wednesday service come from burning the palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm
Sunday celebration.
Some people only celebrate the happy times in Jesus’ life: Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and
Christmas. But I think as true friends, we should also watch and pray with Him on Maundy Thursday, stand by Him at the cross on Good Friday, and retreat with Him into the wilderness during Lent.
About fasting: Today the word ‘fasting’ means a total abstention from all food. In the
historic Church, it means a disciplined diet so that your animal appetites become a sort of spiritual snooze alarm.
I encourage you seek more information about Lent and of what we accomplish by observing
it.
P.S. In case you are wondering, I'm giving up alcohol (i.e. wine, beer) during Lent. I'm
challenging each of you to fast and/or sacrifice during this Lent season in additon to increased spiritual mediation and reflection.
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