Ash Wednesday

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.



(Photo from Google images.)


The season of Lent began today with the observance of Ash Wednesday. It seems no matter how late it is (and it can only be one day later than it is this year), it always sneaks up on me.

I participated in worship at First Lutheran this evening (part of the chancel is pictured below). Now my nails are stained with ashes from smudging foreheads with the sign of God's mercy. Surely there is meaning in both smudged cross and and stained hands.





"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin....Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me." (Psalm 51)