February 17, 2021 (Wednesday)
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
“Lent” is defined for the general public as, “a period of 40 days before Easter during which many Christians do not eat certain foods or do certain pleasurable activities as a way of remembering the suffering of Jesus Christ.” (Source: online Merriam-Webster).
The Lenten season is a period of 40 days of fasting, following the example of Jesus, who fasted forty days in the wilderness, overcoming Satan’s temptations. Indirectly it may also refer to Moses’ 40 days of fasting and repentance following the destruction of an idol. Lent is computed by counting backwards six weeks from Easter, and adding 4 days (Ash Wednesday through Saturday), Sundays excluded.
Ash Wednesday has its name because ashes make the sign of the cross on the forehead, or sprinkled on the head. It is a 
Roman Catholic activity, but not considered a sacrament, and therefore can be administered to non-Catholics or excommunicated Catholics. It is also practiced by Episcopalians and, more recently, some Lutherans. Worshipers in other denominations are beginning to adopt the tradition to a small extent.
The act of receiving the ashes is considered a symbol of repentance, and the recipient is urged to remember he/she is dust, and to repent.
Most of us Baptists have never observed Lent, but we do believe in repentance. We encourage each other to avoid activities that would dishonor Christ, and to renew our commitment to Christ daily. Occasionally, some members will come forward during the Invitation period at the close of worship to rededicate their lives to Christ. Such actions are encouraged the year round.
If you see a friend, relative, acquaintance or stranger whose forehead has been marked today, just breathe a prayer for that person and for yourself as we all together seek to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ in our daily lives.
THIS BLOG WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEB 18, 2015