Christians everywhere are observing Ash Wednesday, kicking off the 40-day season of Lent. It’s a time for reflection, prayer, penance, and spiritual renewal as believers prepare for Easter by seeking forgiveness for their sins and focusing on personal growth. Ash Wednesday is a meaningful day that sets the tone for this season of reflection and transformation.
What Is Ash Wednesday All About?
Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful in the shape of a cross. This act is a sign of repentance, humility, and our shared mortality, reminding us of the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.” It’s a time to reflect on our actions, repent for the things we’ve done wrong, and begin the journey of spiritual renewal.
In Catholic tradition, as the ashes are applied, the priest says, “Turn from sin and live the Gospel.” This is a call to take our faith seriously and live more closely to the teachings of Christ.
How Do Christians Observe Ash Wednesday?
For Roman Catholics, Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. The act of fasting isn’t just about cutting out food; it’s a way to practice self-discipline and reflect on our dependence on God. Abstaining from meat is also a small sacrifice that brings us closer to those who suffer. Other Christian denominations may make fasting optional, but all focus on repentance and returning to the heart of the Gospel.
Archbishop Gomez to Lead Bilingual Ash Wednesday Mass
Archbishop José H. Gomez will lead a special bilingual Ash Wednesday Mass at 12:10 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. This Mass will be an important moment for the community, offering a chance for both English and Spanish-speaking individuals to participate in a meaningful and inclusive service. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also watch the service online via Facebook (facebook.com/lacatholics) or YouTube (youtube.com/olacathedral).
Along with the bilingual Mass at noon, there will also be English Masses at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and 5:15 p.m., and a Spanish Mass at 7 p.m. Ashes will be distributed during all services, giving people a chance to take part in the Ash Wednesday ritual no matter when they can attend.
A Time for Personal Reflection and Spiritual Growth
Archbishop Gomez shared a powerful message about the significance of Lent: “Lent gives us a new opportunity to be more serious about our personal conversion to Christ, more serious about becoming the people that God wants us to be.” This season invites Christians to renew their faith, to let go of distractions, and to focus on what really matters.
Lent is a time to examine our hearts and our lives, to grow closer to Christ through prayer, acts of charity, and personal reflection. It’s not just about giving up something for the sake of it—it’s about reorienting our lives to live in a more Christ-centered way.
Join the Ash Wednesday Services
Whether you’re attending in person or joining the live stream, Ash Wednesday is an opportunity to begin your Lenten journey with a renewed sense of purpose. If you’re unable to attend the Cathedral’s services, the livestreamed Masses offer a way to participate and reflect from the comfort of your home.
As we enter Lent, take time to reflect on the significance of this season. Focus on how you can deepen your relationship with God and live out the Gospel in your daily life. Lent is a time of spiritual renewal, and Ash Wednesday is the perfect start to this journey.