From Ashes to Beauty - Ash Wendnesday

Ash Wednesday may have begun as early as the 8th Century. It was started by the saints as a season of repentance, during these 40 days they would throw ashes on themselves and wear sackcloth. Today the first day of Lent occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter.
Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are made from Palm Braches that were used in previous year's Palm Sunday.

The pastor marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshipper traditionally keeps until washing it off after sundown.

The pastor says one of the following when applying the ashes:

Remember, O man that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.
Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.
—Genesis 3:19

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.
—Mark 1:15

Repent, and hear the good news.
—Mark 1:15

So, should we or shouldn't we keep this tradition alive? I think the answer all lies in the heart.

Traditions or rituals at their very conception were designed to bring us back into focus on God and what He has for our lives. Far too often the busyness and worries of this life can drown out the voice of God and leave us feeling distant from His presence.

Lent, Ash Wednesday, Christmas, Easter, Passover... these are all opportunities for us to refocus on what is important; Him! The ritual itself is not the focus, God is.

Lent is meant to be a tool to help us regain focus on the Lord. This season, let us re-focus our love and passion on the Lord.

Are there things in your life that you need to repent of, things that have been holding you back? Maybe this would be a great time for you to participate in a fast or in another spiritual disciple, Scripture reading (journaling), Prayer, Fasting...

Whatever it is you choose to do remember WHY you are doing it and then I know that your love for God will increase.

Focus!

Pastor Willy

P.S. As we approach Easter I want to challenge you to be thinking about our commission. Who is it that God keeps bringing to your mind that He wants you to reach? My challenge is that this Easter we all invite 3 new people to attend church with us. I have already decided who I am going to invite. Let’s all start praying for the ones that God would have us bring!