Ash Wednesday

Last night I made the ashes for our Ash Wednesday Services today and this morning, even after showering doubly well, I still smell of the smoke that was generated. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape the billowing smoke that was generated as the Palm Crosses from last year's Palm Sunday celebrations were burned, burned so that we could be marked again today.

Today I have been reminded by two different websites that it is Ash Wednesday and therefore that the journey of Lent has begun.

There is much that is deep, powerful and moving in burning the reminder of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We remember this entry into Jerusalem every year and celebrate but to go there we have to be here. Ash Wednesday is about being here. It is about being reminded of who we are: as those who belong to Christ, as those who journey with Christ, as those who die with Christ and as those who will live in glorious eternity with Christ.

So today is not a day to only be reminded that this journey is beginning and notice it in a passive way, it is a day to be marked out to say that you are actively beginning the journey and will continue the journey through to its conclusion.

Like the crosses, we must be put 'to death' in this Holy Season so that we too might become and be used for something more glorious. The ashes become the means of the marking of the cross - the sign of Christ's victory over death. Like them, come and be put to use for a more glorious and wonderful purpose too.

Live the challenge  Journey to the Cross