The Proper Liturgy of Ash Wednesday with the imposition of Ashes. We are called to a Holy Lent on this day by self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on Holy Scripture.
The imposition of ashes — of dust — is a reminder of our mortality and that we are a part of God’s creation. It is a symbol of sorrow for our sins. The symbol of dust comes from the Book of Genesis: “You are dust, and to dust, you will return.”
Fasting or self-denial is abstaining from food, drink, or sleep to focus on a period of spiritual growth. Specifically, we humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and grow deeper in our prayer life.
This season of Lent provides us a time to contemplate and reflect on ways we can return to the true worship of God and repent and turn to God for absolution. Historically, Lent was a time when converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by repentance and forgiveness and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the congregation was reminded of the message of pardon and absolution outlined in the Gospel of our Savior and of the need that all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.
