Journey through Lent – Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday which starts the church season of lent. Ash Wednesday falls 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter Sunday. Traditionally, you’re supposed to give up something for Lent – and usually something sweet like chocolate or sugar all together – but I decided this year that I’m going to spend some time each day reading through the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ journey to Easter. I’ve got a couple of books that have scriptures selected for the days of lent, so I’ll be using those to determine what to read.
Today’s reading is from Luke 12:16-21. It’s important to start our journey through lent here, remembering our death. Ash Wednesday gets its name from the custom of placing ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. It comes from the ancient tradition of throwing ashes over one’s head to signify repentance before God.
It also serves as a reminder of death. At many Christian funerals, specifically the graveside or committal service, the pastor says “remember, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19) In remembering our own death, we are reminded of the death we should have died – the death that Jesus did die in our place. It is in His death and resurrection that this season focuses on.
Join me on this Journey through lent as we follow Jesus’ path to Good Friday and Easter.