Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Ash Wednesday

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.

Why we receive the ashes

Following the example of the Nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."

Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

The distribution of ashes comes from a ceremony of ages past. Christians who had committed grave faults performed public penance. On Ash Wednesday, the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days of penance, and sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the church because of their sins -- just as Adam, the first man, was turned out of Paradise because of his disobedience. The penitents did not enter the church again until Maundy Thursday after having won reconciliation by the toil of forty days' penance and sacramental absolution. Later, all Christians, whether public or secret penitents, came to receive ashes out of devotion. In earlier times, the distribution of ashes was followed by a penitential procession.

The Ashes

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.

3 comments:

Carrie said...

Thank you for your post! Just checking in on all your progress, you are so much more togther than I have it still working out the bugs with all four!!

Madeleine said...

SO, I do Lent ever year. My kids do Lent every year. Even if we ARE Southern Baptist. lol. I think we are the only ones in church who do, though I think I may have talked a person or 2 into doing it.

SO, I forgot it was today, and when my Catholic friend called ma and asked what I was *giving up*, I couldn't believe it!! And then my daughter texted me and asked what I was giving up and I was so upset because I haven't prayed or thought about it!!

I will start Friday and do it for a few Sundays to make those days up. But it will give me sometime to reflect on the sacrifice HE is asking me to do.

What are you fasting??

Anonymous said...

Lovin' the education I get reading your blog! ;) Thanks for keeping me informed and for reminding me what I need to remember during this season especially. Blessings to you guys! love, the Humes