Daily Reflection

The threshold of Lent is crossed on Ash Wednesday. But the following days constitute a “porch” leading to the great door that will be opened on the following Sunday. This is a threshold that we must take time to cross step by step, in prayer, reflection, and assessment of our strengths. This is the moment to throw aside what could uselessly weigh us down as we walk, and to check whether we are properly equipped for the Lenten exodus. This is porch on which the whole Christian community is called to gather because it is important to start together, at a brisk pace, toward the Lord’s porch and its celebration.
The beginning of Lent, the Wednesday before the first Sunday is marked by the giving of ashes. To cover oneself with ashes to signify mourning or contrition is a gesture often mentioned In the Bible.  (Josh 7:6; 2Sam 13:19; Ezek 27:30; job2:12, 42; Jonah 3:6; Esth 4:3; Judith 9:1; Isa 58:5 – 7; Dan 9:3; Joel  2:12 – 13).
It was natural that this practice be used by Christians and it was, for sinners, a public sign of penitence. For several centuries, however, this remained a private observance without liturgical expression. The use of ashes became rite in Rhenish region in the tenth century, it spread to Italy and finally to Rome in the twelfth century. It was only in the thirteenth century that the papal liturgy used ashes with the pope himself submitting to the rite. Form that time until 1970, the liturgical imposition of ashes took place before Mass. Since then, it has taken place after the Gospel reading and the homily. The Missal provides that if ashes are distributed outside of Mass, this rite is to be integrated into a celebration of the word, utilizing the text assigned to this day’s Eucharist. The opening celebration of Lent, Ash Wednesday, normally comprises the liturgy of the word according to a Mass formulary, a penitential rite with the giving of ashes, and the liturgy of the Eucharist.

CONCLUSION
Finally, Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Lenten season, so named because of the Church’s tradition of marking the foreheads of each member of the faith community with consecrated ashes on this day. Applied to members of the clergy as well as the laity, the ashes serve as a tangible reminder of the Lenten emphasis on penitence. ( Lent and Ash Wednesday goes together for better understanding “Conversion” ).