Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Its name derives from the ancient practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of worshipers as a sign of human mortality and repentance. This tradition—documented as early as the tenth century—expresses our shared human condition before God through both solemn word and visible symbol.
“Yet even now,” says the Holy One,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord your God,
who is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love,
and who relents from punishing.”
— Joel 2:12–13 (alt.)