In a White House statement marking Ash Wednesday, President Donald Trump said that he and First Lady Melania Trump were joining millions of Christians in observing the “solemn day of prayer and repentance” that begins the Lenten season.
“Every Ash Wednesday, Christians receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads as a visible reminder of our belonging to Jesus Christ and our enduring need for penance,” the presidential message said.
It noted that during the 40 days of Lent, which commemorate “Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the desert,” Christians engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to “deepen their faith, reflect on His redeeming Passion and death, and prepare their hearts for the coming Easter miracle.”
The message also highlighted the historical significance of those Christian practices, which it called “foundational to our strength” as a nation.
“From the Colonists who turned to prayer and fasting in the heart of the Revolutionary War to the unmatched compassion and generosity of America’s churches, hospitals, and charitable institutions,” it read, “these righteous acts of faith over the centuries have always stood at the center of our identity, our heritage, and our way of life.”
The statement closed with a citation from the Gospel of Mark calling Christians to repentance.
“This Ash Wednesday, as we remember the Passion and ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we send our best wishes for a meaningful Lenten season,” the message stated. “Above all, as we prepare for the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday — the greatest miracle in the history of mankind — we pause to remember those sacred words: ‘This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.’”