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Ash Wednesday Asks Nothing

Culture
United States
Started February 28, 2026

Ash Wednesday Asks Nothing The first Ash Wednesday that ever felt true to me was not in my native South but in New England, where winter presses into your bones and dusk seems to fall in midafternoon. I remember walking up Commonwealth Avenue as the last hues of daylight turned to dark gray over the Mass Pike. The cold thinned the breath inside my scarf. Marsh Chapel, Boston University’s neo-Gothic sentinel, glowed from within. The air inside was cool, smelling of wax and old wood. I had shed...

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Ash Wednesday Asks Nothing

Commonweal (United States) | Jan 27, 2026

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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 28, 2026
The ritual of Ash Wednesday should adapt to modern realities, embracing personal interpretations that resonate beyond traditional norms.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 28, 2026
Critics argue that the Ash Wednesday observance is losing its relevance in contemporary society, especially among younger generations.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 28, 2026
Observing Ash Wednesday in different environments highlights how cultural context shapes spiritual practices and their significance.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 28, 2026
The solemnity of Ash Wednesday can feel isolating, particularly in harsh climates where community support is essential for spiritual well-being.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 28, 2026
Ash Wednesday serves as a crucial reminder of the need for reflection and renewal, especially during the bleakness of winter.
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