Ash Wednesday

When you are around children, you find yourself answering all kinds of questions. Some of these questions require some research of your own because they have a way of asking about things you thought you knew but really, you don’t.

With my 9 year old son, its one question after the other every day. He is one curious kid. And just like I wrote in Questions, I used to be afraid of questions, but now, I look forward to them.

Today’s question was really good for me. I loved it.

We were on our way to school early this morning, around 7:30am, when i saw a swarm of people walking out from a nearby catholic church. I realised the swarm was a lot larger than the usual morning mass one. Then it hit me, it was Ash Wednesday. It always fell on the Wednesday just before Terver’s (my husband) birthday.

I didn’t realise I had spoken my thoughts out loud, but as soon as I heard the question; “Mummy what is Ash Wednesday”?, I knew  that I had.

Growing up catholic is something that I have always loved. Even though I no longer go there, a part of me has always remained with the Catholic Church. Every year, I look forward to Lent.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of lent. On this day, practicing Catholics (and some other Christians) smear ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of their immortality (dust to dust, ashes to ashes) and also a way of imbibing the ashes and sackcloth method as a show of repentance and humility.

The period of Lent (40 days – Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday) is a period of sanctification, a time to pause and reflect. A time, to abstain from things that may prevent us from communing with God. These things differ from person to person. For me it may be anger, for you it may be food. For another it may be alcohol, bitterness or anything else.

As I explained this season to my son, I realised how teachings have dwindled. I wondered how many people had ashes on their foreheads just because it was expected. I guess I will never know.

I only hope that many get to enjoy and feel Gods presence throughout this Lenten season.

Have a happy Ash Wednesday.