Ash Wednesday

ASH WEDNESDAY
MARK JUDE MUGERWA
Markjudemugerwa**********

Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting in many western Christian denominations. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and falls on the first day of lent. (the six weeks of penitence before Easter) Ash Wednesday derives its name from this practice, which is accompanied by the words, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or the dictum, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration palms.
On Ash Wednesday, a universal day of fast, ashes are distributed. The faithful, by receiving ashes, enter upon the season appointed for spiritual purification.

This sign, biblical in origin and preserved among the customs of the Church until our own day, expresses the human condition as affected by sin. In this sign we outwardly profess our guilt before God and thereby, prompted by the hope that the Lord is kind and compassionate, patient and abounding in mercy, express our conversion that will reach its goal in the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation during the days leading to Easter. Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting.

The ash cross marking observers’ foreheads is meant to represent mortality and penance for their sins. It is applied by a priest during a morning mass, often along with a small blessing: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Many choose to keep it on all day. Ash Wednesday sets the tone for Lent, which is considered a time for self-improvement. Originally, Christians observing Lent were allowed only one meal a day and were forbidden from eating meat during the entire period. This tradition was relaxed by Roman Catholics around World War II. While some still abide by a strict version of the fast on Fridays during Lent, many instead choose to give up indulgences like alcohol and social media.

MARK JUDE MUGERWA
Markjudemugerwa**********

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