We are living over 2000 years since the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christian church persists world wide with about 2 billion Christians; how many are sincere followers of Jesus is an issue. Jesus taught love of God and love of neighbor (Mk 12:28-31). How many follow these simple commands? There are also around 2 billion Muslims on planet Earth.

Ash Wednesday is first day of church season of Lent, when churchgoers have ashes placed on forehead. The ashes symbolize abasement (by self) and repentance. Ashes represent sorrow on part of believer, who is conscious of some loss or sin. According to teaching of St. Paul, every human being is a sinner. This teaching is echoed in other Biblical books. Use of ashes comes from Old Testament phrase ‘sackcloth and ashes,’ e.g., book of Esther. As one repents, one asks God for forgiveness.

Lent continues from Ash Wednesday for 40 days. Forty days is the period Jesus spent in the desert at the beginning of his ministry, tested by the Devil. Season of Lent, a period of prayer and fasting, is special, holy, in church calendar, comparable to Advent and Christmas. Lent culminates in Palm Sunday, holy week (remembering Jesus’ Passion, death), Easter Sunday (commemorating Jesus’ resurrection).

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Afterword

‘Ash Wednesday,’ poem by T.S. Eliot, may be helpful to read and contemplate.