Ash Wednesday is a traditional holy day celebration within the Catholic faith. The beginning of the season referred to as Lent starts on “Ash Wednesday”. This is a time of fasting, penance and religious reflection. This is the first day all Catholics prepare for to get ready for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
“Ash Wednesday” this year happens to fall on March 5. This season doesn’t have a particular starting date except that it always falls on a Wednesday. The Lenten season has begun as early as February 4 and can arrive as late as March 10 in years past.
On this day Catholics go to Church to receive a blessing that is sacramental and a symbol of penance. They receive ashes which are placed on their foreheads in the sign of the cross as a reminder to all of the spirit of sacrifice and humility. The ashes that are used are special. The come from the burning of the palms used the previous year that celebrated another holy day called Palm Sunday. The ashes also provide a reminder to all who receive them as a reminder that God is merciful and gracious to all those hearts that are repentant.
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people.” Joel 2:15
“By the sweat of your face shall you get bread to eat, until you return to the ground from which you were taken; for you are dirt and dirt you shall return.” Genesis 3:19
Let the season begin and enjoy the holy days from Ash Wednesday till Easter Sunday and rejoice!
© 2014 Beverly Mucha / All Rights Reserved
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