Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Listen to the Homily Julie Hovey
- Impositions of Ashes
- A time for reflection and repentance marking the beginning of Lent
- Video: The Significance of Ash Wednesday; Ash Wednesday in 2 minutes
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent in the church’s calendar. Lent is a period of forty days (plus six Sundays) preceding Easter.
For centuries many Christians have used Lent to prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. It is a period for reflecting on Jesus’ suffering and death, self-reflection, confession of sin and repentance, making restitution and seeking to make peace with others.
Many choose to engage in some form of fasting during these forty days, to give additional time to prayer, and to care for those in need.
Consider committing to one practice for the 6 weeks of Lent such as a weekly volunteer commitment, fasting from certain foods or meals or from a regular activity, adding a weekly time of silence, or making financial gifts to charities, to name a few. Visit our Spiritual Disciplines library for a description of many traditional practices.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, so named because in many churches, ashes are placed (“imposed”) in the shape of a cross, on the foreheads of worshippers.
The ashes are a reminder of our mortality, our sinfulness, and our need for God’s grace (i.e. unearned favour).
Ash Wednesday worship is solemn, quiet and reflective. Join us, after your busy, hectic day, and make a good start to observing Lent.