Ash Wednesday — 2nd March, 2022

When is Ash Wednesday 2022?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of lent in western churches and is celebrated 46 days before Easter. In 2022, Ash Wednesday will fall on March 2.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a day of fast, repentance, and prayer for Christians. Several sects and denominations of Jesus’ followers typically skip a regular meal schedule, eating only one normal-sized meal and two very small ones in 24 hours, notably on a good Friday.

To commemorate Christ’s 40-day and night fast, as mentioned in the Gospels, the most devoted Christians are known to eat even less, confining themselves to bread and water. On Ash Wednesday and during the Lenten season, abstinence from alcohol is emphasized.

The Christian heart is focused on repentance and prayer on Ash Wednesday, which is traditionally done through personal and communal confession.

What is Ash Wednesday?

The day’s name stems from a tradition in which churchgoers are marked on the forehead with an ash cross to symbolize repentance for past misdeeds. The priest will begin the marking with a reading from Genesis 3:19: “Remember that you are dust and that you will return to dust.” The practice of smearing ashes on the forehead developed in the early church as a means for persistent offenders to express their desire for repentance. The practice had extended to all the faithful people by the end of the 10th century.

The ashes are traditionally made by burning the palms used in the church on palm Sunday of the former year. Roman Catholics are obliged to refrain from all bodily pleasures, including meat intake and abstinence from alcohol and smoking (in some cases) for 40 days before Easter. This is meant to commemorate Jesus’ fasting in the desert for 40 days before commencing his mission. Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, abstention from meat, and repentance in the Catholic Church, is a suitable start to Lent.

History of Ash Wednesday

We know that the concept of Christians having to repent for their shortcomings or wrongdoings dates back over two thousand years. The practice of wearing ashes on one’s head and other hand is credited to Pope Gregory I the Great (approximately 540-604 A.D.), who accompanied the ceremonial symbol with a phrase that loosely translates to “Remember that you sprang from dust and that you will return to dust.” “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

In Rome, it was customary for penitents and grave offenders to begin their time of public self-punishment on Ash Wednesday in preparation for their restoration to their beliefs. They were sprinkled with ashes, forced to wear sackcloth, and forced to stay apart from the Christian community until Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter. When these customs faded away (8th–10th centuries), the new start of this self-punishment season of Lent was marked by sprinkling ashes on the heads.

The ashes obtained by burning the palms used on the former palm Sunday are put in the shape of a cross on the forehead of each worshipper in the current Roman Catholic Church.

Some priests have used Ash Wednesday as an opportunity to engage in urban preaching, going out into their towns and offering ashes to passers-by on sidewalks, even to automobiles stopped at traffic signals. The basic message is that when believers forego some physiological comforts, they might enter into a state of repentance, acknowledging their wrongdoings and the sacrifice made by Jesus to purify them of those sins.

Traditions of Ash Wednesday

If you’d want to begin considering and observing Lent and Ash Wednesday, here are a few verses to focus on and reflect on, as well as a prayer you might pray to commemorate the day.

Versus for Ash Wednesday

Our creation-Genesis 2:7

“Then the LORD God fashioned a man from the dust of the ground and breathed the spark of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living creature.”

Our Curse-Genesis 3:19

“You will eat your food by the sweat of your brow until you return to the earth, for you were taken from it; for you are dust, and to dust, you will return.”

Our repentance Cry-Psalm 51:7-10

”Cleanse me with hyssop, and I’ll be spotless; wash me, and I’ll be snow-white. Allow me to hear delight and gladness; triumph in the bones you have broken. Hide your face from my misdeeds and wipe away all my transgressions. Create in me a pure heart, and refresh in me a steadfast soul, O God.”

Ash Wednesday prayer

Here is the prayer you can say on Ash Wednesday:

”Have compassion on us, Lord, Holy One. We come to you to confess our misdeeds. We have come short of your splendor, and we would be dust if it weren’t for your kindness and forgiveness. Now is the time to repent. Please, Lord, be with us as we begin this Lenten season. By your Holy Spirit, please assist us in feeling the proper conviction and repentance for our sin. Please help us to have the power to overcome the adversary via your spirit.

Thank you, Lord, for the approaching Easter! Because of Jesus, death has no sting, no victory! To his name be glory, honor, and praise!

Thank you for saving our lives. As we progress through the next several weeks, please help us to retain the pleasure of this season in our hearts. Please assist us in bearing the fruit of your spirit.

Thank you that the ashes on our forehead do not reflect our ultimate reality. We may have been created from dust, but our bodies, spirits, and selves still await magnificent redemption and the restoration of all things. Lord Jesus, make us desire for and look forward to that day, and may it arrive swiftly. Amen.”

How to Celebrate Ash Wednesday?

Fast for the day

Many Christians fast for the whole day of Ash Wednesday, believing that the experience of emptiness in the body would lead to a viewpoint of requiring God for nourishment, similar to how Jesus was said to have sought his father’s presence by fasting in the desert. Whether religious observances do not constrain you, try fasting without any responsibility to see if it leads to enlightenment!

Cover your forehead with ashes

If you’re a Christian, set aside some time to have your spiritual leader place the cross of ashes on your forehead and show your friends and acquaintances that you’re serious about your repentance. If not, ask a friend who is currently carrying the cross a few questions about their religion. They’ll most likely say something fascinating.

Reflect on your unique style

Religion, like any serious meditation or thinking, is a personal experience. Take a few deep breaths and think about what comes to mind when you consider the big picture of your life and your role in the cosmos. Take your time and assess your true feelings.

Go to Church

In the United States, some Christians attend special Ash Wednesday church services. This covers Catholic and other church-affiliated pupils. Blessed ashes in the shape of a cross are generally placed on people’s foreheads by priests to remind them of their mortality, grief for their sins, change, and forgiveness. Ash Wednesday is a great time to go and visit the church.

Make donations

For some Christians, Ash Wednesday is a wake-up call. Some people use this time of year to contribute to organizations or participate in charitable events as a method of becoming closer to God. Ash Wednesday is a good time for you to donate to the charity or needy people near you.

Why is Ash Wednesday Important?

It’s a good moment to take a rest and consider your options

As we’ve seen, Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a time when many people give up certain comforts. Living without these conveniences allows us to consider what is truly essential in our life.

It’s a great time to spend time with family

Churchgoers frequently attend services with their families, making it logical to select how they will fast and pray as a family from Ash Wednesday through Easter.

It is beneficial to have a basic understanding of Christianity

Whether you like it or not, Christian religious practice have played a significant role in Western history, including creating the United States and other countries. Learning about Christianity will give you an advantage in a variety of scenarios.

What to Eat During Ash Wednesday?

Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means they consume less than normal. The majority of individuals stop snacking and consume only one big meal and two smaller meals during the day. Adult Catholics above 14 also abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent. Lamb, chicken, beef, pig, ham, deer, and most other meats are prohibited these days. Eggs, milk, fish, cereals, and fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are all permitted.

There are exceptions to this rule. Pregnant women, the sick, the elderly, and the very young are excluded from the fasting regulations of Lent.

Many people also abstain from doing something for the full Lenten season. Some Catholics abstain from certain foods, such as chicken or chocolate, while others abstain from certain habits, like watching television. If you’re giving up meat or food for Lent, you won’t be able to consume it until Ash Wednesday and then for the next 40 days.

Things to Give Up On Ash Wednesday and Lent

Television

While curling up in front of a new episode might be a relaxing way to relax, watching T.V. daily can consume far more time than we think. Whether you watch many episodes of a series over a week or finish an entire season of television in one sitting, giving up the stuff you typically want will help you quit wasting time watching and start looking forward to spiritual growth instead.

Gossiping

It’s so simple to criticize and judge someone else’s life choices. Whether the issue is someone you know well, an acquaintance, or a prominent person, it’s easy to express worries about their motives, problems with a choice they’ve made, or criticize something they’ve done. Ephesians 4:29 reads, “Let no corrupting discourse come out of your lips.” These 40 days, as well as Ash Wednesday, have the power to tame and alter your tongue in a beautiful biblical way!

Worrying

While we wish it were possible to eliminate fears and concerns, one idea that could help you live out your faith is to go to God with our smaller day-to-day worries rather than spending time thinking through all of the what if’s (which also relates to 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.)”

Swearing

It’s difficult to change a habit, but if you’ve been feeling compelled to stop cursing, the transforming nature of Ash Wednesday and Lent is the ideal time to say goodbye to swearing and attempt to replace some of your go-to replies while giving yourself plenty of grace.

Alcohol

If you’ve ever participated in a “Dry January,” you’re probably aware of the advantages of refraining from alcohol for some time, such as clearer skin and better sleep. Cutting away cocktails, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages is a great approach to limit something you normally love so you may focus on the Holy Spirit during Lent!

Complaining

“Do everything without complaining or disputing,” Philippians 2:14 advises emphatically. Despite this, many of us regard complaining as a basic right rather than something to be avoided. However, Lent and Ash Wednesday is the ideal time to choose appreciation over whining deliberately.

Interesting Facts about Ash Wednesday

Every year millions of Christians worldwide commemorate Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. The practice of smearing ashes in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of worshipers is one of Christianity’s most prominent rites, but it’s only one part of the holy day. Whether you celebrate Ash Wednesday or not, here are some interesting facts about the day.

Not all Christians celebrate this day

While Catholics are most closely connected with Ash Wednesday, it is observed by many Christian groups, including Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and certain Baptists. There are also Christians who do not celebrate Ash Wednesday. Some faiths do not participate on a holy day, including Mormons, Evangelicals, and Pentecostal Christians.

First Ash Wednesday

The first Ash Wednesday rites are said to have taken place in the 11th century C.E. Although it isn’t stated in the Bible, a line in Daniel’s Book relates fasting and putting ashes on the forehead. Some historians believe this is where the Lenten tradition began. Until the 1970s, Ash Wednesday became popular among Christians in the United States.

Ash Wednesday is like Halloween in Iceland

The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is often a day of drinking and partying, but the celebrations don’t end there in Iceland. In Iceland, the first day of Lent, known as skudagur, is analogous to Halloween in the United States. Children dress up in costumes and tour their communities performing songs in return for sweets.

Rules of eating

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting. For many Christians, this does not imply full abstinence from eating. Instead, holy day watchers should consume only one full meal plus two smaller meals that, when combined, do not equal a meal they would have on a typical day. On Ash Wednesday, Christians should abstain from eating meat, just as they would on Fridays during Lent. (Filet-o-fish, on the other hand, is still edible.)

Recycled palm ashes 

On Ash Wednesday, the ashes are surprisingly eco-friendly. Many churches distribute palm fronds on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter like they did when Jesus Christ arrived in Jerusalem days before his crucifixion. Some churches keep the palms burning and produce ashes applied to people’s foreheads 11 months later.

No smoking in Ireland on Ash Wednesday

National no smoking day is observed on Ash Wednesday in Ireland, as the beginning of Lent is viewed as an appropriate time to encourage people to give up a luxury such as smoking.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What has Bible said about Ash Wednesday?

Although the Bible makes no mention of Ash Wednesday, wearing ashes has been done for centuries. The Christian heart is focused on repentance and prayer on Ash Wednesday, which is traditionally done through personal and communal confession.

Can you eat meat on Ash Wednesday?

No, Catholics are not allowed to consume meat on Ash Wednesday, lent Friday, or good Friday. Furthermore, Catholics must fast on Ash Wednesday and good Friday, according to the Ash Wednesday guidelines.

Is it fine to eat chicken during Lent?

During Lent, Catholics are not allowed to consume chicken on Ash Wednesday, good Friday. This includes chicken wings, chicken legs, chicken pot pie, and another chicken-based cuisine. Chicken broth is dubious, but it may be OK (just the juice remaining). On all other days of the Lenten season, it is permissible for Catholics to consume chicken.

Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation?

While all Roman Catholics are urged to attend Church on Ash Wednesday to begin the Lenten season with the correct attitude and thoughts, Ash Wednesday is not a Holy day of obligation.

What does ash Wednesday mean?

Ash Wednesday is a Christian fasting and prayer day. Shrove Tuesday precedes it, occurring on the first day of Lent. Western Christians have historically celebrated Ash Wednesday to repent their sins.

Where to get ashes for Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday ashes are traditionally gathered after palms from the former year’s palm Sunday are burnt.

What happens on Ash Wednesday?

The priest or pastor will usually offer a ritual and meditative sermon for protestants during a worship service. The atmosphere is somber; many services feature extended periods of silence, and worshipers frequently depart in quiet.

A corresponding verse is read aloud regarding the pastor and congregation, usually focusing on confession. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in communal confession, quiet confession, and prayer.

The assembly will be invited to receive the ashes on their foreheads after all of this. “From dust, you came, and from dust, you will return,” the priest or pastor would usually remark as he dips his finger into the ashes spreads them in a cross pattern on the forehead.

In which countries is Ash Wednesday observed?

Ash Wednesday is a national holiday in areas like the Cayman Islands, French Guiana, and Jamaica. In Guadeloupe, Panama, and other nations, it is a holiday for bank and government employees and some companies. It is a regional holiday in some parts of Cape Verde and Brazil.

What is the significance of the black cross on the forehead?

The ash cross on the viewers’ foreheads is supposed to symbolize death and repentance for misdeeds. It’s usually given by a priest at a morning mass, accompanied with a little blessing like “Remember that you are dust and that you will return to dust.” Many people choose to keep it on all day.

Final Thoughts

Christians mark Ash Wednesday as a solemn day of self-reflection and repentance. On this day, several customs are observed, with fasting being the most important because it marks the beginning of the Lenten season.

Roman Catholics cover their foreheads with ashes as a gesture of repentance and self reflection. These ashes are made from palm branches leftover from former palm Sunday celebrations. The ashes are blessed with fragrance and holy water.

Before leaving a church, some worshippers wash the ashes off to symbolize a ‘cleaning of their sins.’ Others retain the ashes on their head for the whole day. For many Christian groups, Ash Wednesday is a momentous day.

Source : Krcmic.com