Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I attended an Ash Wednesday service at the church I usually attend. The service concluded with an invitation for the imposition of ashes. This is the second time I have participated in an Ash Wednesday service and received the mark of the cross in ashes on my forehead. It is a humbling reminder that we are born of dust, and to dust we will return. But the beauty of accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior is that we will have everlasting life in Him, for he died for us.

Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, self-denial, self-reflection, and what my pastor refers to as “heart work”. And heart work is hard work, my friends. This 40 day period concludes on April 17th, Holy Thursday, and prepares us for Easter Sunday when we will reflect on and remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Most Christians give something up for the Lent season. Our self-denial or abstinence expresses sorrow and contrition for our wrongdoing, and indicates our intention to turn away from sin and turn back to God. Last year I wasn’t sure what to really give up, but I really think I wasn’t being honest with myself about “wanting” to give something up. This year I am planning to be more intentional with my time and finances. I am giving up excess and frivolous spending (Do I really need to add another item to my Amazon cart?) and screen time (think doom scrolling and reality TV binge sessions). These activities do not serve me well and do not strengthen my relationship with my Savior. If anything, they are distractions. Distractions from the fulfillment I find in spending time in prayer and with God’s Word.

If you want to learn more about Lent, a Google search will certainly provide an abundance of information. I’m not a practicing Catholic, but I found this website helpful as well - https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/lent.

I wish you all an enlightening and introspective Lent season. Thank you for reading.

-A