Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012

As we observed Ash Wednesday on February 22, I reread an old essay I wrote in "Guia, etc.", information gleaned from several sources. Reposting as I reflected on that day. A few things were changed.

Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012

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, touches me, and try to live my life guided by this powerful message.

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.

The day's gospel talked about inward prayers. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

For me, having the ashes smeared on my forehead is simply a reminder that the Lenten season has started, a time for prayers, reflection and service. I am reminded of my mortality; and what is important to me.

The Churches that observe Ash Wednesday are Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and some Baptist denominations.

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 am thankful I made it to the Sacred Heart Church tonight. I was ill with the flu last year.

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.