Ash Wednesday, for Catholics, it marks the first day of the Season of Lent. It’s a time when we recognize the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us by abstaining for 40 days, until Holy week begins on Palm Sunday leading up to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, the previous year’s palms ashes are burned and spread in the form of a cross over our foreheads. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.
Our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and remind us that all lives passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told:
"Remember,
Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."
Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."
While ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us improve a spirit of humility love and sacrifice, also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.
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