Ash Wednesday

The practice of placing ashes on one's head has ancient roots. It is a symbol of contrition, of remorse.

We place ashes on our heads this day as an indication of these same emotions. We confess our sins, we acknowledge our guilt, we admit that we fail to live the lives God would have us live.

God's hope for us is that we would live in harmony with those around us. God's hope for us is that we would understand ourselves as brothers and sisters, united in our struggles. God's intention is that we should think of others before thinking of ourselves. We have not realized this hope. We must confess our shortcomings.

God's intention is that we would care for the least among us. God's instructions are for us to give to the poor, and pray for those who would harm us. This is not the way we talk. This is not the way we act. There is a need to admit our guilt.

Our loving Father welcomes us as children, asking that we live under the wing of His gentle care. We rebel, refusing to listen to Him. With contrite hears we make our way back to him.

The practice of placing ashes on our heads is a symbol of our desire to be made clean. Most of us have never made soap. We might not realize that soap can be made out of ashes. Interesting how something so messy can become an agent of cleansing. This practice reminds us of this. It is a desire that our dirtiness might be transformed into a thing of purity.

Pastor Chris