I am not catholic but I was working in a church plant in Midtown Atlanta where we did Ash Wednesday. It was my first experience with Ash Wednesday other then seeing people with ash on their foreheads and wondering what was going on. It was an amazing service and time of reflection.
On Ash Wednesday they put the ash on your forehead in the shape of the cross and say.
Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", "Repent, and believe the Gospel," or "Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel."
Then they are encouraged to fast from something as they prepare for Easter. I encourage you to think about this statement. We are all sinners and in need of the Savior Jesus Christ. We cannot be good enough or do enough good works to make up for our sin against God.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God
It only takes one lie, or one lustful thought to make us guilty in the eyes of God.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It is a fact that our sin causes us to deserve death and eternal punishment and separation from God in Hell FOREVER. That is a sad and scary thought
But the good news of this verse is that because of Jesus death on the cross and Resurrection from the death we can accept Jesus by repenting of our sins, asking Jesus to become our master and save us. That is the good news we call the gospel.
If you choose to fast from something as we prepare to Celebrate Easter it will help you to remember what Christ has done for you and remind you to pray every time you miss what ever you are fasting from.
