18th February, 2026: Byron Bay, New South Wales
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Whilst Lent is important to every Christian, Ash Wednesday isn’t really part of my tradition, although several Churches in my home town in the UK will be holding ashing services today. Ash dust will be placed in the sign of the cross on the forehead of the believer. What’s it all about?
Ashing is a reminder of our own mortality. It is intended to ‘ground’ us, reminding us of our total reliance on God as we start the Lenten journey.
Like it or not, in western culture the subject of our own mortality is largely taboo. It hasn’t always been that way. Throughout history, for people of all ages, death was very much part of life. Death was invariably sudden, unexpected and often catastrophic to the wellbeing and stability of families and communities. Life was harder, and life expectancy of ordinary people was significantly shorter than we enjoy today. Of course in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, little has changed.
Ashes are an acknowledgment of our own mortality, ”For dust you are, and to dust you will return.‘ (Genesis 3:19). They are a sign of contrition, even mourning, for our own sin. They are a reminder that we are called to life with Christ for eternity, not just for our time in this world. The ashen cross is symbolic of our determination to return to Him and to follow wholeheartedly.
Whether or not you mark Ash Wednesday by bearing the sign of the cross on your forehead, take this moment to reflect. Take the time to consider how you can intentionally use these 40 days of Lent to draw closer to Jesus – to humble yourself before God. Scripture promises that as you do so, He will lift you up – He will draw closer to you. (James 4:8-10)
A Catholic prayer for Ash Wednesday
Repent, and believe in the Gospel.
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.