Day 1 of Lent: Why do we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday?
The practice of receiving ashes on your head on Ash Wednesday comes from the Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. Often the scriptural words from Genesis 3:10, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return" are spoken when the ashes are placed on the forehead.
The act of receiving ashes reminds us of our humility and our mortality. We do all things through Christ. Without him, in the end, we are dust.
DON'T FORGET!
Give up eating meat today and fast from snacks. Offer this fast up for those who go hungry. Click here for an explanation on why we fast on Ash Wednesday.