DUST TO DUST

Ash Wednesday

Matthew 16:17-18
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
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I still remember Ash Wednesdays when I was a kid. After being imposed with the ash-cross on my forehead, I would really be very careful so that the cross will not be “erased” as I go through my school classes, lunch, jeepney rides to and from the school. When my forehead perspires, I would really be careful in wiping them out, ensuring that the ash remains.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten Season. And in the next forty days (or forty-six, it became forty because the Sundays are removed when counting the days), Christians will be observing repentance, abstinence or fasting.

The ashes imposed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday are a reminder of our unworthiness and sinfulness that corrupts and stains us and leads to death (we return to the dust from whence we came). Ashes remind us of our original sin and our need of redemption ­ our need to be cleansed of sin and made worthy of Salvation. When we wear the ashes on our heads, we also acknowledge the sacrifice of Christ, who forever substituted His own death for the "burnt offerings" made by Old Testament priests to atone for the sins of the people.

And long after the ashes on our foreheads were gone, may our hearts always remember the sacrifice that Jesus had done for the atonement of our sins. Always remember that not the ritual, but the truth of your heart, can earn you blessings from God.

Almighty Father, protect us in our struggle against evil. In this holy season, help us to turn our minds and hearts back to you. Lead us into sincere repentance and renew our lives with your grace. May this season of repentance bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness and the gift of light.

“Ashes on our forehead, Your sacrifice we remember;
Unworthy, we are sinners, in You we believe, life forever.”

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.