The ashes are made by burning the blessed palms that were distributed the previous year on Palm Sunday. The season exists to remind people of their own mortality, (Remember, man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return"), and calls them to repentance in preparation for Easter. In the early Church, Ash Wednesday was the day on which those who had sinned, and who wished to be readmitted to the Church, would begin their public penance.
Whether you don ashes, "give up" a favorite food, fast, or actively participate in Lent, the notion of putting our own earthly lives into humble perspective is a great idea. We won’t be alive on earth forever, so it is imperative that we make the decisions that effect our eternal life now. Jesus "gave it all up" for us sinners, not only because he loved us, but because there was an outstanding sin debt, which only his shed blood could pay. 46 days from today will be Easter, let’s use that time to think about the new life he offers us through Himself.
"..Jesus died for us sinners, not only because he loved us, but because there was an outstanding sin debt, which only his shed blood could pay."
ReplyDeleteShedding blood to pay off a sin debt just seems like some kind of harsh primitive street justice. Like a mafia thing or something. Surely a reasonable re-payment schedule could have been worked out. Jesus should have found himself a good Jewish sin lawyer or sin accountant. Maybe witness protection if he was willing to testify against the shyster who wanted his blood. Wait... who exactly was leaning on him? Who wanted his blood spilled on the streets of Jerusalem? His Father you say? Well, that's really creepy! Even pervy.