Ash Wednesday
is one of the most
popular and important Holy Days
in the Liturgical Calendar.
Ash Wednesday opens Lent,
a season of fasting and prayer.
Ash Wednesday takes place
forty six days before Easter Sunday.
It is chiefly observed by Catholics,
although many other Christians observe it too.
Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition
of penance and fasting.
The practice includes
the wearing of ashes on the head.
The ashes symbolize the dust
from which God made us.
As the priest applies the ashes
to a person's forehead,
he speaks the words
"Remember that you are dust,
and to dust you shall return."
Alternatively,
the priest may speak the words
"Repent and believe in the gospel."
Ashes also symbolize grief.
In this case,
grief that we have sinned
and caused division with God.
Writings from the second century Church
refer to the wearing of ashes
as a sign of penance.
Priests administer ashes during Mass,
and all are invited to accept the ashes
as a visible symbol of penance.
Even non-Christians, and the excommunicated
are welcome to receive the ashes.
The ashes are made from blessed palm branches
taken from the previous year's Palm Sunday Mass.
It is important to remember
that Ash Wednesday is a day
of penitential prayer and fasting.
Some faithful take the rest of the day off work
and remain home.
It is generally inappropriate to dine out,
to shop,
or to go about in public after receiving the ashes.
Feasting is highly inappropriate.
Small children, the elderly and sick
are exempt from this observance.
It is not required
that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day,
and they may be washed off after Mass.
However,
many people keep the ashes as a reminder
until the evening.
Recently,
movements have developed
that involve pastors distributing ashes to passerbys
in public places.
This isn't considered taboo.
But Catholics should know
this practice is distinctly Protestant.
Catholics should still receive the ashes
within the context of Mass.
In some cases,
ashes may be delivered by a priest or a family member
to those who are sick
or shut in.
If Ash Wednesday is a topic that interests you,
We invite you to visit catholic.org to learn more.
And if you're interested in purchasing products related to Ash Wednesday,
Easter, or Lent,
please visit catholicshopping.com
for a wide selection.
