Christian Counseling for Ash Wednesday
As the Great Fast begins for the Western Church one is reminded of one’s own vulnerability and eventual death through Ash Wednesday. From the words ashes to ashes and dust to dust, one recalls one’s own finiteness and frail and fallen human nature. Christian spiritual directors should remind clients of this.
The theological significance is however greater than a mere reminder that one will not live forever. As the first day of Lent in the Western Church, its reminds one of the Sin of Adam and how that sin or Original Sin brought death into the world.
As that sin brought death into the world, so Christ, the New Adam, brought life to the world and destroyed the power of Original Sin. Lent is the time of remembrance of the Redemption and Christ’s ultimate victory. It is also a time for spiritual renewal and faith in Christ.
Ash Wednesday is reminder of man’s fall via Adam, and through Lent, we carry our crosses with Christ and on Easter Sunday are reminded of our rise and salvation via Christ. Christian Counselors should guide their clients to these truths.
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By Mark Moran, MA