Ash Wednesday and the 40 Days Leading Up to Easter

Paw Print Editor: Bri Robles

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar, a time of reflection, penance, and preparation for the celebration of Easter. Occurring 46 days before Easter Sunday, Ash Wednesday is a day of solemn observance, marking the start of 40 days that mirrors the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry.

The Significance of Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is named for the practice of marking the foreheads of believers with ashes in the shape of a cross. This act serves as a visible symbol of mortality and repentance, with the ashes traditionally made from the burning of palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The ashes are applied to the forehead by the priest or minister, accompanied by the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or a similar phrase. This reminder of human mortality underscores the temporary nature of life on Earth and encourages believers to reflect on their spiritual lives (Vatican News, 2022). The ashes also symbolize the penitential aspect of Lent. In ancient times, people would wear sackcloth and cover themselves with ashes as a sign of sorrow and repentance. Today, the act of receiving ashes during Mass or worship services serves as a communal expression of humility and acknowledgment of the need for spiritual renewal (The Church of England, 2021).

A Period of Reflection and Repentance

Lent is traditionally a time for Christians to prepare for Easter by engaging in practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These 40 days reflect the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, where he fasted and faced temptations from Satan. Just as Jesus overcame temptation, Christians are encouraged to use this time to strengthen their faith, resist worldly distractions, and grow in spiritual discipline (Matthew 4:1-11, New Revised Standard Version). The 40 days of Lent do not include Sundays, as each Sunday is considered a mini-celebration of the Resurrection. This is why the season lasts for 46 days, with the Sundays being excluded from the total count. During Lent, Christians often choose to give up certain luxuries or habits—such as chocolate, social media, or alcohol—symbolizing their willingness to sacrifice in order to focus more on their relationship with God (National Catholic Register, 2021).

Fasting, a core practice of Lent, is seen as a way to practice self-control and to focus more on spiritual nourishment than on physical desires. The act of fasting also connects believers to the ancient practice of penance and aligns them with the suffering of Jesus, who endured the trials of the wilderness. The purpose of fasting is not only to abstain from food but to create space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth (Pope Francis, 2020).

The Path to Easter

Lent culminates in the celebration of Holy Week, which includes the observance of Maundy Thursday (commemorating the Last Supper), Good Friday (marking the crucifixion of Jesus), and Holy Saturday, before the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday. Throughout Lent, Christians seek to prepare their hearts and minds for this ultimate moment of resurrection and victory over death (Lifeway, 2023).

In sum, Ash Wednesday and the 40 days leading up to Easter serve as a season of penance, reflection, and preparation. Through acts of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, Christians are invited to deepen their faith and renew their commitment to following the path of Christ. The journey through Lent leads to the profound joy of Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of new life.

References

Vatican News. (2022). Ash Wednesday: Meaning and Significance. Vatican News. (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-03/ash-wednesday-meaning-significance.html)

The Church of England. (2021). *Ash Wednesday and Lent. Church of England. (https://www.churchofengland.org)

 National Catholic Register. (2021). Why Do We Fast and Give Something Up for Lent? National Catholic Register.(https://www.ncregister.com)

Pope Francis. (2020). Lent and Fasting: A Time of Prayer and Repentance. The Vatican.(https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/lent.html)

Lifeway. (2023). Holy Week and Easter Celebration. Lifeway.  (https://www.lifeway.com)