Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration.
On Ash Wednesday a lot of people walk around with an ash cross on their forehead. “When we come forward to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, we are saying that we are sorry for our sins and that we want to use the season of Lent to correct our faults, purify our hearts, control our desires and grow in holiness so we will be prepared to celebrate Easter with great joy” (TheCatholicSpirit.com).
For quite a few years a church in my neighborhood has been offering "Ashes to Go" for those churchgoers who don't have time to sit through an Ash Wednesday church service. Some people might argue that the solemnity of Ash Wednesday could be overshadowed by the next item on a to-do list as the recipient leaves the parking lot. I think this meets a community need.
Another area church is offering a new twist on its Ash Wednesday service, a gathering in a new local brewery for "worship, friendship, food and drinks." This sounds like a very inviting atmosphere versus other more solemn church services. This church emphasizes giving to the community vs. abstaining from something. I appreciate the different perspectives to reach people. Giving makes you a better person; abstaining from something can make you a better person.
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| A house celebrating Mardi Gras...laissez les bon temps rouler! |
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