Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person’s forehead, he speaks the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (From Catholic Online)

I am an Episcopalian and tonight I will go to my parish, St. Peters Episcopal to receive ashes and to begin my personal journey in this Lenten season. I think its important to share experiences like this that makes ones faith story real. For many its giving up something  or fasting during this season but some take on new things to bring them closer to Christ and to make the world a better place.

The Episcopal Church has a prayer and scripture readings about today, click here to check it out.

To my brothers and sisters in the faith I walk with you during this time. To everyone may God bless and keep you.