Ash Wednesday Reflection

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.   For those attending mass on this day will have their foreheads marked with ashes as a sign of repentance.  Some might question us when they see the cross on our foreheads, “Did you remember to wash up this morning when you got up.”

Ash Wednesday is a day to remember that we are God’s creation, made from the dust of the Earth. This season of Lent might I challenge each one of us, to see the beauty and awesomeness of God’s creation.  This Ash Wednesday also reminds us that it is good to remember that we are God’s Beloved. We might hear one of these statements as the ashes are rubbed on our heads:

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.
Remember you are dust and to dust you will return.
Repent and believe the Good news.

So on Ash Wednesday, we receive the ashes on our heads with a sense of sorrow for our shortcomings, but also with a sense of hope. With God’s grace we can repent and continue on our road of life together.