The men had small piles of ashes on top of their heads.
I was up at 5:30 a.m. this morning, watching the live Ash Wednesday Celebration from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Due to covid restrictions, the ritual of believers having a small smudge of ashes in the shape of a cross rubbed on their foreheads has been changed.
Instead, ashes were sprinkled on the tops of believers’ heads.
Pope Francis was very generous in distributing ashes on the heads of priests , who were the first to receive them. I was fascinated by the small piles of ashes on top of their heads.
The ashes were distributed with a sombre reminder that we came from dust, and will return to dust.
Life is fleeting, and fragile.
Let us pray for the grace to continue to walk in trust, and in obedience to the Lord.
We need reminders, sometimes, such as ashes, to remain focused on the things that have eternal value.
And so, the forty day long season of reflection, penitence, fasting and almsgiving has begun, and we are moving towards the celebration of Easter.
May God strengthen us on our Lenten Journey
The photo is courtesy of Pixabay.
Flowers are not generally placed in churches during the season of Lent.
Purple is the liturgical colour of Lent.
Being a non Catholic, I don’t know much about Lent. Yet the more I learn, the more curious I become. Admitting, or even dwelling, on the fact that I come from dust and will return to dust sounds needful. Despite societal warnings of the dangers of low self esteem, I find the opposite is also hazardous. The apostle Paul was right when he cautioned the Romans not to think to highly of themselves but to use sober judgment. I fit that description, so have committed, for the first time, to observe Lent by keeping a 40 day prayer journal. I will write letters to God each morning instead of reading my favorite news site.
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that was supposed to say too highly, not to. The teacher in me is cringing.
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That is so interesting David, thanks for sharing. This a great idea, writing letters to God, and I am sure that God will bless you for it.
I am a convert to Catholicism, and at one time I did not know what Lent was about.
I find that humbly walking through this season is a time of spiritual growth, in preparation for the joyful time of Easter.
Thanks for your comment. ⚘🤗
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I really like this idea – of keeping a 40 day prayer journal where you write letters to God each morning.
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Life is fleeting. The times seem to fly even faster as we get older.
Lent a great time to reflect and pray. And we need to reflect in our current times so much more.
Thank you for your words. I look forward to reading your posts.
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Thanks so much for your comment, Pene.
It seems that these days we have all become more reflective, as we realize which things are truly important. 🌷⚘
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Yes we have Ms Sally. I appreciate you.
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Although I am not a catholic the churches in my youthful days did do lent either in a big or small way. As an Easter child of God (Good Friday 1984) I get quite excited approaching my Christian birthday. The older I get the more I feel I appreciate Eternal things.
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Yes, Alan, it is good to be aware of our Christian birthdays, as these are the days when our close walk with Jesus truly begins.
It is beautiful to be an Easter child of God. 🌼⚘
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An informative one. And a good reminder to live each day for Him. 😊🙌
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Hi ! Yes, yes are wise to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord.
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A fine adaptation to the ceremony
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Thanks, Derrick. 🤗
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Thank you for a beautiful post about Lent. I too am a convert.
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Teach us to trust you and you only God.
This is humbling sis
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Thanks so much for your kind comments. 🤗⚘
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We had our Ash Wednesday services in small groups in our church garden rather than inside. Our rector placed ashes into our open palms and we applied them ourselves. Our church garden where those of us who choose to will have our own final ashes placed. It had a much deeper meaning then year.
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