The ashes we wear on our Lenten journey symbolize the dust and broken debris of our lives as well as the reality that eventually each of us will die. The ashes are a reminder to us and our communities of our finite creatureliness. Lent is not a matter of being good, and wearing ashes is not to show off one’s faith. On Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten trek through the desert toward Easter.Īshes on the forehead is a sign of our humanity and a reminder of our mortality. We are to remember that we are but temporary creatures, always on the edge of death.

During the imposition of ashes the words: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) are repeated again and again. In many traditions, this is symbolized through the imposition of ashes - placing a cross on one’s forehead. The first step of this journey calls us to acknowledge and confront our mortality, individually and corporately. This first day of Lent reminds us that unless we are willing to die to our old selves, we cannot be raised to new life with Christ. The Lenten journey from the ashes of death to resurrected life begins on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, which signifies a time to turn around, to change directions, to repent.

A time to turn An excerpt from the Companion to the Book of Common Worship (Geneva Press, 2003, 109-110) In some traditions, Ash Wednesday is a fast day, beginning the Lenten time of fasting and preparation for the Great Three Days that culminate in Easter.

Ash Wednesday is also the occasion when would-be disciples of Christ known as catechumens were enrolled in the catechumenate, a special time of learning the basics of the faith in preparation for baptism on Easter Sunday or during the Easter Vigil. Historically, Ash Wednesday was a time when penitents were presented for church discipline during Lent, culminating in reconciliation on Maundy Thursday. In the face of our transience, we pledge ourselves anew to live unto God’s Word in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word that remains forever. Acknowledging that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we stand in solidarity as fellow creatures before our Creator, acutely aware of our mortality. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent with a public act of confession and contrition.

Imposition f ashes