March 5th was Ash Wednesday. A tradition that can be traced and associated to symbolism of repentance, humility, & mourning. This probably sneaked into the Christian calendar in the 6th century, used in a cross shape, symbolizing mortality and human fragility. It begins the journey of spiritual renewal. Which is where I want to start. In short, it comes 50 days before Easter (Lent) & 50 days after Easter is Pentecost. This marks the time as holy. This became formalized in the 11th century.
The tradition of Ash Wednesday is that of focusing on abstinence, a symbol of penance, humility and mortality (Daniel 9:3 & Job 42:6 & Gen 3:19 (from dust you came, unto dust, you shall return). Instead of applying ashes, this Lenten Season, we are called to action, to adopt spiritual practices that can impact someone’s life in a positive way.
We are focusing on the event that precedes the desert experience. Before the wilderness experience, Jesus was baptized. The symbol that is central is water. Water may represent preparedness in many ways. Historically, water represents Baptism and purification, a sign for preparation for new life. baptism is a symbol that gives birth to new relationships (with God or church). Therefore, here water means Spiritual Readiness. Even in the Hindu, water is used for purification ritual before prayer, signifying spiritual readiness.