Ash Wednesday ushers in the season of Lent. The ashes we receive on this day stand as a common denominator for us all, symbolizing our frailty, brokenness and need for repentance and healing.
The words that are spoken to each one on Ash Wednesday remind us of our connection to Earth for in Genesis we read that God fashioned Adam out of the dust of Earth, and also proclaim our need for true conversion: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”
In the coming 40 days we commit to the ancient practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May our generosity and kindness to others, and our prayer and self-denial, reflect the hope and joy of the Easter message that we are made new through God’s love expressed in Jesus Christ.