Christians around the world will begin the season of Lent this week with the observance of Ash Wednesday.

“Lent is a time of giving yourself a spiritual checkup,” explained the Rev. Dan Brigham, rector of St. Andrew's-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Peachtree City. During the 40 days, not counting Sundays, prior to Easter, Christians are encouraged to read scripture, pray daily and examine their consciences, Brigham said.

This period of repentance is initiated with the imposition of ashes in the form of a cross signed by the priest or minister on Wednesday. It reminds Christians of their mortality on earth, with the cross symbolizing their redemption through Christ. “Remember, man is dust and unto dust you shall return,” he said, quoting God's words to Adam in Genesis 3:19.

The ashes used in Ash Wednesday services are blessed palms from the last year's Palm Sunday. The signed cross also imitates the spiritual mark or seal placed on a Christian's forehead in Baptism, when he is delivered from sin and joins God's family.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fayetteville has scheduled two Ash Wednesday services, at 6 p.m. for families with young children, and 7:15 p.m. for all. The Rev. Dr. Justin P. Kollmeyer will distribute olive wood crosses to all his parishioners starting Wednesday evening to be worn throughout Lent. “Forty days with the cross” is the church's Lenten Wednesday theme.

Episcopals and Catholics, both Roman and Greek Orthodox, also practice fast and abstinence from certain foods during Lent. “The two days of fast are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday,” Brigham explained. Typically, Catholics refrain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent and members of the Greek Orthodox community omit all meat and dairy products from their diets.

Many Christians also “give up” something at this time. “If you can strengthen your will in one area, you can do the will of God in others,” Brigham said. “It's not that the church wants you to feel miserable,” he noted. The will to eliminate sweets or alcohol from the diet for 40 days can be empowering, according to Christians who have done it.

The color purple also is in evidence on the altar, in vestments and as coverings during Lent. Purple traditionally symbolizes penance and, according to Brigham, can be replaced by a very deep red in some churches.

St. Andrew's and Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church will join for three Ash Wednesday services at 6 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. at St. Andrew's, at the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Stevens Entry.

In the gospel of Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus gives His advice best taken during the holy season of Lent,: “Give alms... pray to your Father... fast without a gloomy face.”

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page