Season of Lent: Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent which is 46 days away from Easter (or Resurrection) Sunday. In the Bible, the use of ashes symbolized the frailty of humanity, mourning, and repentance (e.g. Genesis 3:19; Job 42:5,6; Matthew 11:21). The season of Lent is a 40-day period, excluding Sundays, as a time of fasting, reflection, and repentance, and capped by celebration on Resurrection Sunday. The 40-day period is significant as it reflects Christ’s wilderness experience, where he fasted and was tempted by Satan. Christians see Lent as intentional setting aside of time for fasting, reflecting on and identifying with the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Today I wear the mark of the cross on my forehead,
visible black cross reminder of righteousness aforesaid.
Stained mark from last year’s burnt palm leaves,
black on white, opportunity for repentance gives.

Repentance done for repentance needed in words and deeds,
unconfessed sins unconfessed, sin and more sins will breed.
Repentance for grace undeserved, begins the season of Lent,
undeserved, unbidden, unexpected salvation was sent.

Darkness is my heart where selfishness sings evermore,
ego and pride above goodness and holiness soar.
Come, Holy Spirit, come breath of God, to my sorry plight,
Cleanse me, mold me, straighten me, to make me right.

“Ash Wednesday” poem: Alex Tang.

Important Dates for the Season Lent in 2020