FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Parishioners,
On Ash Wednesday the Church begins the penitential season of Lent, the forty-days of mortification during which her members are called upon to remember that we must chastise our bodies and bring them into subjection; and to remember that we will one day return to the dust from which we are taken.
Like many of the other symbolic practices of our Church, the use of ashes to express humiliation and sorrow is something which was common in others religions. Many references to it are found in the Old Testament. When King David repented for his sins, he cried out: “I did eat ashes like bread, and mingled my drink my drink with weeping.” When the people of Nineveh were aroused to do penance by the preaching of Jonah, they “proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth and sat in ashes.” It is most likely that the use of ashes was introduced in the early Church by converts from Judaism because it was an observance with which they were familiar with in their former faith.
The ashes used for Ash Wednesday are obtained by the burning of the blessed palms of the previous Palm Sunday. In this, the writers of the Church have found a symbolic meaning. The palm typifies victory; and the ashes show us that we cannot gain the victory over sin unless by the practice of humility and mortification.
Also, those over the age of 13 must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent. Those 18-69 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. I hope this column has helped with understanding the sacramentals of Lent.
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
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