Ash Wednesday is the day many Christians mark as the first day of Lent; a 40-day season of reflection, fasting, repentance and prayer which culminates with a celebration on Easter Sunday. Lent invites Christians to set aside this length of time each spring to intentionally focus on Jesus’ life, ministry, sacrifice, and ultimately His resurrection. It’s the day when all around the world millions of Jesus followers engage in this ancient ritual known as “the imposition of ashes.” In short, having ashes put on your forehead. Why? Using ashes as a symbol of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship and can serve as a powerful, nonverbal, experiential way of responding to a call for repentance and preparation. In fact, Jesus himself referenced the practice in Matthew 11.

 

To a great extent, Ash Wednesday helps us remember our humanity and mortality. While our egos may boast and we may operate each day as if we are in control of everything, Ash Wednesday brings us back to reality and humility, reminding us that we are not gods. This is why – when ashes are placed on one’s forehead – Genesis 3:9 is quoted, “From dust you have come and to dust you will return.”

 

At Parkview, we observe Ash Wednesday with a walk-through reflective experience. Multiple stations are set up in the auditorium that will lead you through steps of humility as you consider your mortality, repentance, forgiveness, and worship. Open from 7am – 7pm, the experience takes anywhere from 15 minutes to as long as you’d like to take your time and reflect.