Ash Wednesday is full of joy…The source of all sorrow is the illusion that of ourselves, we are anything but dust. – Thomas Merton
Ash Wednesday signifies Lent’s first day, a time of spiritual preparation for Resurrection Sunday that happens approximately six weeks later. Most notably, people give up something for Lent to remind them of Christ’s sacrifice – but here are also other traditions that can be meaningful if done out of devotion (as opposed to ritual or compulsion).
Churches that observe the liturgical church year create ash from the burned palm branches (mixed with oil) used the previous Palm Sunday – that commemorates Christ’s Triumphal Entry. The same palms waved waived while people exclaim, “Hosanna!” take on a reverent meaning in remembering Christ’s sacrifice. Part of the Ash Wednesday service involves making a cross mark on the forehead using this substance. Ash’s significance comes from Genesis 3:19 that says, “from dust before you are dust and to dust you shall return.” And Galatians 2:20 that states, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Sackcloth and ashes also bear Old Testament significance. These ceremonial elements appealed to God during times of need. Other themes of the season include Redemption, the cross-centrality of our lives, and hope for the future.
What can we do for Ash Wednesday/Lent?
- Nothing. This season is not mandatory. Doing things out of empty obligation and tradition does not bear spiritual fruit. If, however, if you feel like the structure, history and resources of this season are helpful, continue below.
- Examine Yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Peter 1:10-11): A natural part of our spiritual journey is pausing to reflect on our faith. Are we consistent in our daily prayer, scripture reading, and other spiritual disciplines? Do we have unconfessed sin in our life? What is distracting us from growing in our faith? If you feel like giving something up will benefit your faith, it is a good place to start, but it is not complete as a stand-alone ritual.
- Remain faithful in a church (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 John 1:7): “The Christian faith is always personal but never private.” Shared experiences with others in a community of faith add depth to our spiritual preparation for the season.
- Meditate on scripture (2 Timothy 3:16): “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Bible study is indispensable to our spiritual growth. There are good Lent bible studies here, here, and here.
- Focus on the Gospel (Colossians 3:2, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:8): This season is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. You do not have to wait for Passion Week to focus on the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Christ. The more our lives point to the cross, the more we can share that hope with others.
“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.” – John Piper
