There are lots of good Ash Wednesday reflections out there today, but the one that struck me most forcefully today is this reflection at Mere Orthodoxy. Understanding our own death, brokenness, and isolation from God is the first, necessary step towards experiencing the joy of the Resurrection:
The solitary silence that approaches death enables us to experience the resurrection life—a life lived in and with the people of God. It is through death—in suffering, in weakness, in solitude—that the communion of saints begins. The brokenness of Jesus’ body is the birth of his people.
This is the meaning of Ash Wednesday….
As we fast on Ash Wednesday, we are reminded that man lives not on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. While acknowledging the isolating power of death and repenting from the sin which its sting, we can begin to taste the power of the Resurrection, the love which binds us in holy communion.
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February 6, 2008 at 18:50
u say think christian,for me to think and be christian is to follow and be like christ.And for me word of God (Bible) is the only truth i rely on.I can no where in bible see anyone following ash wednesday.Can u tell me where did this day come from or who introduced ash wednesday to christians? Just trying to seek the truth.
February 7, 2008 at 09:22
Lavy, that’s a good question to ask. Like Christmas and Easter and other holidays, Ash Wednesday isn’t established in the Bible and Christians have no obligation to commemorate it. But many Christians find it to be a useful way of preparing their hearts and minds to better understand and appreciate Christ’s death and resurrection. You can read up about the history and significance of Ash Wednesday and Lent at Wikipedia.
February 9, 2008 at 23:26
I agree with Andy’s comment. Any pure way a child of God can use to grow in the Lord & the power of His might should be utilised & I think thoughts of the meaning of the Lenten season would surely engender soul searching & a purpose to see the fulfillment of God’s will in one’s life.
February 10, 2008 at 19:55
As a member of a church body that observes Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, here is what Ash Wednesday means to me. Ash Wednesday is a time for repenting and remembering that it was my sin that put Jesus to death. As a member of a fallen and sinful world, I still have responsiblity for sin. This means that as a holy God, God cannot abide me as He cannot abide sin or sinners. I have no claim on God for any merit of mine is more than outdone by my sin. One mistake makes me less than perfect and that is God’s standard. That is the purpose of Ash Wednesday is to prepare me for the joy of Easter! Easter is God proclaiming that my sin has been dealt with and I can now come into His presence. I do this with prayer in the name of His Son, Jesus. Remember, Paul said let him who honors a day, do it to the Lord. That is what we do at Ash Wednesday and Easter, as well as Christmas.
February 11, 2008 at 13:23
Spiritually,I believe in this ash wednesday with all it stands for.But my contribution is slightly different from the above named subject. Brothers and sisters, let us all cultivate the culture of LOVE,so that we will not give satan a chance in our lives.We all loves God and thats why we are all taking path in this dicussion but one thing still eludes our reasoning and that sometimes gives satan room in our lives.That thing is hate.Pray over this.