Pastor Cathy
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19b NRSV)
Ash Wednesday is a time of reflecting on our humanity, sins, and mortality. It invites us to a more faithful life. It begins with 40 days of Lent, which leads to the hope-filled renewal of Easter. Ashes, or dust, are common in scripture, used when people mourn or seek forgiveness.
Entering Lent with a display of ashes began in the 10th century, but the mark was a sprinkling or a smudge. Today, many churches make the ashes by burning last year's Palm Sunday palm branches. Many Christians attend a worship service where ashes are placed upon their foreheads in the shape of a cross.
Receiving the imposition of ashes is a powerful way to confront our humanity and mortality. They remind us that we are not God, but we are God's good creation. Ashes signify our sorrow for the mistakes we have made and express our resolve to turn back to God.
Repent and believe in the good news. (Mark 1:5b NRSV)