From Dust to Grace (Ash Wednesday 2026)

"Ash Wednesday is full of joy...The source of all sorrow is the illusion that of ourselves we are anything but dust."  - Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet, and social activist (1915-1968)

Ash Wednesday serves as the formal commencement of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual discipline—consisting of prayer, fasting, and charity—that concludes with the celebration of Easter.

Opening Reflection: How does this day challenge us to “return to the Lord”?

Below is a guide to help explain the meaning and purpose of Lent and Ash Wednesday.

• During the imposition (application) of ashes, the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) are spoken. This phrase acts as a sobering reminder of human mortality and our temporary nature.
• The season of Lent is a time to hit the reset button—turning away from distractions to focus on our relationship with God and personal growth..
• Drawing inspiration from Jesus' forty days of prayer and testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1, 2; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1, 2), Christians engage in this period of reflection to ready themselves for the joy of Easter morning. 

Where did Ash Wednesday come from? Even without a direct biblical basis, the traditions behind it go back a very long way in history.

• In the Old Testament, using ashes (on the head or sitting in them) was a common, visible sign of deep mourning, humility, and repentance. This acts as an outward expression of inner sorrow or a desire to turn away from sin.
• Established in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, the 40-day Lenten fast became a standard tradition. By the 8th–11th centuries, marking foreheads with ashes became a widely adopted practice in the Western Church.
• These ashes are traditionally made by burning blessed palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

Who observes Ash Wednesday? The observance of Ash Wednesday is most common in Western Christianity. For Roman Catholics, it is a major day of fasting and abstinence (refraining from meat).

Ash Wednesday services are typical for many Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, but it is not observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians—who start with Clean Monday—or many Baptist and Evangelical churches.

Ultimately, while Ash Wednesday carries a somber tone, its purpose is hope, not guilt or fear. It serves as a reminder that our Savior meets us in our brokenness, bringing new life out of death through the cross.

Putting Intentions Into Action:

• Which habits or routines are stealing my focus, and how can I let them go?
• Which spiritual discipline—prayer, fasting, or giving—do you plan to practice?

Closing Prayer: "Lord, thank You for the grace of this new season. During these forty days, help us to repent and believe the Gospel, embodying Your peace and love in our daily lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 

May God bless you always,

Liana