Tuesday March 2, 2022 is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of 40 days of Lent in the Catholic Church and in other denominations. Using the ashes to mark a cross on the forehead of church goers is a reminder that we came from ashes and to ashes will we return. From Genesis 3:19 "In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust and to dust you shall return" (RSV translation of the Bible). Lent is an opportunity for reflection on our lives along with good works, prayer, and fasting. It ends with the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday, this year April 17, 2022. Preceding Easter is "Holy Week" observing Christ's Last Supper, arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and suffering and death on the cross.
Ash Wednesday Ashes (France)
Photo 232735811© Pascal Deloche | Dreamstime.com
Rollmops (Herring) for Ash Wednesday Lunch
Photo 8156283 © Hlphoto | Dreamstime.com
