Ash Wednesday

The season of Lent starts with a double reminder, of our mortality, and of our need to do penance. Two of the phrases priests will say as they impose ashes on people’s foreheads today precisely suggest two ways to prepare for this holy season. “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” reminds us all of our mortality, a fact we all have to face some time or another. On the other hand the priest may say “Repent and believe in the Good News of Jesus Christ,” encouraging us to do penance and turn away from sin. This is also a time to do less and to do more. Less of the complaining, less of the vices and pleasures we all like, less of the anger, impatience and aloofness that we show to others. And more of the respect, more of the kindness we show, more of the concern and genuine interest we show towards others in the many simple ways that we come across in our daily lives.
It is interesting to note that in European countries, including Italy and Malta, the ashes are placed or dropped on top of the head, instead of marked on the forehead as is done in the USA. However this year I will adopt the American custom in Malta and mark the people on their foreheads with the blessed ash. Churches in Malta will become very active and decorated with devotional artifacts, some of which will also drape the walls in black. The statues that will be used during the Good Friday procession will be displayed in the churches, one at a time. Church attendance will increase during these 40 days, culminating with the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on the Friday before Good Friday. I invite you to journey with me through this blog as I share with you during the next 40 days, reflections and meditations that will help you get closer to the crucified Jesus.
We adore you o Christ, and we praise You, because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.