I love Ash Wednesday.
This is the first Ash Wednesday I am a Catholic. It is the second Ash Wednesday when I have received the dark ashen sign of the cross on my forehead.
The thing I love most about Ash Wednesday is that Catholics all over the world who attend Mass on Ash Wednesday are visibly marked with the sign of their faith, which they then carry with them throughout the day. Behind each of those sooty smudges is a Catholic, unified with the Church community through the symbol of the cross.
The humility with which people acquiesce to be marked in this way is striking. This mark is a sign of one's repentance -- an external admission of sorrow for one's mistakes and failings. What a profound way to submit to God and express your service to God to those around you.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Thank you for the information about The Big Lebowski. I wish I could make it, but unfortunately I live in Idaho now. I was born in St. Louis and love the Cardinals but won't be visiting the area again until Memorial Day.
Post a Comment