Ash Wednesday is the first day of the penitential season of Lent, in which ashes are placed on the head or forehead of the faithful. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water, and imposed on the head with the sign of the cross, or sprinkled on the forehead.
our mind seal with the sign of the cross.
the symbol of penitence
The ashes are made from burning palm branches blessed the previous year on Palm Sunday. When the priest imposes the ashes he says either "remember man you are dust, and to dust you will return" (see Genesis 3:19), or "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark 1:15).
Why ashes????
The ashes serve a dual purpose:
1. First, as the above words imply, we are reminded of our mortality and humanity as we begin the Lenten Fast.
2. Second, the ashes are a Biblical symbol of repentance, sorrow, and humility.
In Bible also have the history of the usage of ashes as symbol of penitence. Kindly refer to 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1-3.
Ash Wednesday is a key for us to reflect our relationship with God. We should review our act and ask forgineness from Him.
Amen.
