Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs 40 days before Easter.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of forty day liturgical period of prayer and fasting, just as Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before his public ministry, where he was unsuccessfully tempted by Satan.

The priest, minister or officiating lay person, marks the forehead of the participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper retains until it wears off, considered a sign of the faithful. The priest or minister says this as ashes are applied to the forehead,
Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.
—Genesis 3:19
I find these words very strong and meaningful, and try to live my life guided by this powerful message. What is essential to me is invisible to the eye - not attached to material goods, goodness and kindness is what constitutes my sense of peace and accomplishment.

Ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is a sign of mourning and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance. The ashes used are the previous year's burned Palm Sunday.

In the Catholic Church, ashes, being sacramentals, may be given to anyone who wishes to receive them as opposed to Catholic sacraments, which are generally reserved for church members. I missed receiving the the ashes this year because I still have not fully recovered from my flu yet. This is 'another' first day where I feel strength and comfort, hopeful that it lingers on.

The Lenten season is here, a time of reflection, prayer, and service, contemplating the Lord's 40 days of prayer and fasting before He embarked on his life's work. Let us immerse in it.

Let us also offer our prayers to those affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, that the may suffer no more, that they may receive the help they need to recover and be comfortable. We also offer our prayers in gratitude for sparing us. Amen.