Hey there,
Ash Wednesday is just one week away … and year after year, it remains one of the most widely attended liturgies we celebrate. Not because it’s a holy day of obligation, because it’s not. But because something deeper draws people through the church doors.
Perhaps it is the simple yet striking gesture of ashes traced on the forehead … a visible reminder of who we are, where we come from, and what ultimately matters. Whatever the reason, the sight of full pews on Ash Wednesday is always a blessing.
Lent invites each of us to pause and take an honest look at our lives: to acknowledge our sin, deepen our prayer, embrace fasting, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. It is not a season of gloom, but one of return … back to God, back to truth, back to love.
This week’s issue of Genuflect focuses on Ash Wednesday, offering reflections meant to help us enter Lent more intentionally so that this familiar ritual might become a more transformative encounter with Our Lord.
May your Lenten journey be blessed and fruitful.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Why Lent Was Created
We’ve not always had the season of Lent leading up to Easter. So where did it come from? And why? Here’s how it grew out of preparation for catechumens.
Here’s Why Lent Was “Created” | Aleteia
Ash Wednesday in 2 Minutes
Busted Halo created an entertaining 2-minute video that explains the meaning of Ash Wednesday. It’s well worth your time.
Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes | Busted Halo
5 Meanings of The Ashes
There is no denying the popularity of receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday. But to fully make the most of this tradition, you need to know the 5 things the ashes signify.
Five Meanings of The Ashes we Receive Today | Archdiocese of Washington
About Ash Wednesday
For a quick refresher, here are some facts you should know about Ash Wednesday.
Palms to Ashes: A Few Things to Know About Ash Wednesday | Catholic Sun
Why Not to Rub Off Your Ashes
Should ashes be wiped away … or worn boldly? Charles Lewis says Ash Wednesday is an opportunity not to hide belief, but to examine what we believe, why it matters, and how a simple gesture can speak when words are needed.
Here’s Why I Don’t Wipe Off The Ashes | National Catholic Register
What’s on Your Forehead?
Here’s something we can all relate to. Being warned a million times that we have dirt on our forehead. Or asked what we have on our forehead. It can get embarrassing.
Ash Wednesday Can be Excruciatingly Embarrassing if You Work in an Office | Metro
Catholic Guide to Ashes
This graphic has been around for a while, but it never gets old. Check out this visual guide to decipher what the shape of your ashes means.
A Catholic Guide to Ashes, Extended Edition | ChurchPOP
Let a Saint Help
If you’d like a little extra help this year with your Lenten promises, why not ask a Saint for help? Here are a couple of ways to go about getting some heavenly assistance.
Why Not Pick a Patron Saint to Help You Out This Lent? | Aleteia
Ultimate Prayer Guide
A couple of weeks ago, we covered the topic of prayer. It’s chock full of all kinds of prayer resources to help you enhance your prayer life during the Lenten season. Here it is again in case you missed it … or are a procrastinator like me and are ready to dig in now.
Your Ultimate Prayer Resource | Genuflect
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Digital Inspiration
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