THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 1997 TAG: 9702120001
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 37 lines
Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent for millions of Christians around the world. This penitential period of fasting and prayer ends three days before Easter, when Christians celebrate the holiest day of the Christian calendar - the resurrection of Jesus.
The tradition of being marked with a cross of ashes on the forehead began 898 years ago when it was officially introduced to the church by Pope Urban II. After the Reformation, many Protestant churches abandoned the custom of imposing ashes, but in recent years several denominations - particularly the Episcopal and Lutheran churches - have returned to the practice.
The use of ashes as a symbol of penance and sorrow is an ancient custom, often mentioned in the Bible. Ash Wednesday ashes are the burnt and blessed remains of the palms carried during last year's Palm Sunday services. They serve as a reminder of the frailty of life.
Lent, with its 40 days of sacrifice, has roots in both the Old and New Testaments. Most theologians consider the number 40 to be symbolic of a journey. For instance, the flood of Noah lasted 40 days, and Moses, Elijah and Jesus all fasted for 40 days in various biblical accounts.
The first day of Lent marks the beginning of an introspective season when, in addition to praying and fasting, many try also to engage in acts of charity. Churches hold special services throughout Lent, and all practicing adult Catholics are directed to return to the pre-Vatican II practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays.
As Ash Wednesday worshipers are marked with an ashen cross, they are usually reminded: ``Remember man, thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return.'' For believers, 40 days of austerity and contemplation of mortality make the contrast with Easter's good news of renewal and life all the more dramatic.