Etsy Rosary Guild Team: Give Away Contest for March 2011

Etsy Rosary Guild Team: Give Away Contest for March 2011: "March Give Away PrizeDonated by Laude Arts and GiftsWelcome to our Give Away Contest for March. This month's rosary was donated by Linda of..."

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday...sorrow, humility, repentence, a day of fast, the first day of the 40 days of Lent as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. Ashes are associated throughout the Old Testament with repentence, usually while wearing sackcloth. For 40 days, we will remember our humble place in this world, fast for spiritual growth, and sacrifice in remembrance of Jesus' life for our redemption.

On Ash Wednesday, ashes are blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water, and traditionally imposed on the forehead with the sign of the cross. The ashes are made by burning palm branches blessed during the previous year's Palm Sunday. When the priest imposes the ashes he says either "remember man you are dust, and to dust you will return" (Genesis), or "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark).


Fasting has a long history in the Church. In the Book of Acts, it was while "worshipping the Lord and fasting" that the Holy Spirit led the Apostles to set Paul and Barnabas apart for their work. In Matthew, Jesus assumes that after he leaves the earth his followers will fast. The history of the Church is filled with stories of fasting and its spiritual value. However, Jesus warns us not to be obvious about our fasting, or only fasting to impress others. Thus, Ash Wednesday is based on the biblical concept of repentance, and the ashes and fasting that are associated with repentance.

Jesus condemned the Pharisees for being hypocritical in their fasting. They would purposely make themselves look pale and sickly, to show they were fasting. All of this was for the appearance of spirituality, even though their hearts were impure, and they were fasting with pride. Jesus tells us to fast in a way that is not obvious. The ashes given during the Ash Wednesday represent repentance, not an advertisement that one is fasting. We must remember Jesus' guidance to fast so that it may not be seen by men, but by our Father; and our Father who sees in secret will reward us.