Text: Genesis 3:17-19, Job 42:1-6, Romans 3:23, James 5:13-16
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
These are the words a priest utters as he smears a cross of ashes onto his congregant’s forehead during an Ash Wednesday service. It’s a somber declaration. In fact, some instead say, “Remember that you have to die.”
For more than a thousand years, Christians around the world have begun the Lenten season this way: with the sober acknowledgement that with humanity came sin, and with sin came death. We are free, but not required, to do the same.
So what is Ash Wednesday, and why do many Christians observe it?
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance. During Lent, we focus on our need for the death and resurrection of Jesus; we focus on our need to be forgiven. Ash Wednesday is a day where we take a page from the book of Job and repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). We remember that from the dust we were made and to the dust we shall return (Genesis 3:19). We remember that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, and yes, we all must die (Romans 3:23).
Ash Wednesday is a day of hope. Without Christ, the words “remember that you have to die” are hard ones. But with Christ, they are a reminder that, though our bodies will one day return to dust, we have already been given the hope of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Ash Wednesday is an opportunity to publicly profess our faith. The ashen cross the congregant wears is an outward sign of both repentance and hope. People see the mark of the cross at their work, in class, and at the grocery store. Wearing the ashes is a way to repent of our rebellion against God and “confess our sins one to another” (James 5:16).
On Ash Wednesday we admit our limits and acknowledge the brevity of this life. Whether in a formal Ash Wednesday service or privately in our homes, we can use tomorrow, the first day of the Lenten season, to remember that from the dust we were made and to the dust we shall return. Even so, in Christ, we live in the eternal hope of the resurrection.
I am evangelical, but I work at a Catholic school. I had been praying a lot before Ash Wednesday about whether or not to get ashes on my forehead, because it is typically not part of my faith tradition. After reading this, though, during our school’s mass I decided to get ashes on my head. I loved the reminder that I am dust and to dust I will return – BUT GOD. He alone redeems and saves! I loved having a physical reminder on my body that I am finite, but God is God.
Thank you for sharing, Sarah! We’re grateful for you!
When you look at the thought of being dust walking around in human form, it’s pretty sobering. Only the Lord’s very breath can make dust into life…..
Hello from the eastern coast of North Carolina! This is my first time to observe Lent. It’s also my first time to give something up. I gave up Facebook! :). I’m so looking forward to this study!
This is the first time I have ever observed lent. I’m excited for this study in addition to the practice.
This is also my first time and I am super excited.
Mine too!!
I agree – wonderful explanation.
The churches I have attended don’t do an Ash Wednesday service. I’ve always wondered its significance. Thank you for this beautiful explanation.
These verses hit me deep in my soul. I’m excited to continue studying.
That little cross of ash has such profound meaning.