by Brit Herz

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: February 26, 2009

Sitting with a smudge cross on my forehead made up of ashes, I started to think exactly on how to observe this day known as Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday isn't just a religious day for catholics, it is one where we people off all faiths and denominations can come together and admit that they are sinners. The service that is precursory to the receiving of the ashes is really a quite simple one that anyone could attend. There may or may not be a priest in attendance, since it is considered a prayer service, not necessarily a mass. The congregation is addressed with opening hymns and readings from the bible, just like a normal mass.

The readings chosen; however, seem to stick to a penance type message. The Gospel which is told is one that tells the people not to use Ash Wednesday or any other type of prayer or alms giving, to draw attention to yourself. Throughout the history of the church and religion there have been those that show people there grievances and what they are given up to be closer to God. This is actually something that could back fire. Your penance, prayer, and fasting should be unnoticed and in private. "Amen I say to you, they have already received their reward".

After the service, is the time to reflect on your sins and to choose your alms giving for the duration of lent. This is usually only followed by catholics but there are other denominations that partake in it. You are supposed to give up anything that is important to you, something that you would miss, and be able to go without it for the duration of lent. In biblical times and the later, people would fast for the full forty days, but today it is seen as unsafe and unreasonable. Things given up can range from activities that are considered hurtful or sinful, such as sex, alcohol, smoking, etc. Or it can be something as simple as giving up coffee or sugar.

Ash Wednesday, like the Fridays that follow until the duration of Lent is over, is also a day of fasting. One meal is to be eaten, and the more lenient rules allow one to two smaller meals. Nothing is to be drank but water, and no snacking. This is to give penance for your sins and to give forth to those without food. A lot of parishes now how found raisers that start on Ash Wednesday and go through Lent. Most of them focus on fasting and the money saved while doing so, that money is collected and given to poor organizations around the world. Not all churches do this but it is becoming more and more popular.

Learn more about this author, Brit Herz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.