ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF ASH WEDNESDAY A...

ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and abstinence. It is also known as the 'Day of Ashes'. So called because on that day at church the faithful have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross. In the Old Testament ashes were found to have used for two purposes: as a sign of humility and mortality; and as a sign of sorrow and repentance for sin. The reference to the sealing the servants of God for their protection in Revelation is an allusion to a parallel passage in Ezekiel, where Ezekiel also sees a sealing of the servants of God for their protection; (Ezekiel 9:4-6). They also symbolize death and so remind us of our mortality. Thus when the priest used his thumb to sign one of the faithful with the ashes, he says, "Remember, man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return," Getting self-ashed. Ash Wednesday marks the onset of a period of sober reflection, self-examination, and spiritual redirection. What will you give up for the next 40 days beginning February 17 until Easter? Will you replace it with the word of God?
Morning and Evening I will Praise You and Bring Glory to Your Name