The Day of Ashes

O Jesus, you place on my forehead

the sign of your saving Cross.

“Remember you are dust,

and to dust you shall return.”

Today we begin the forty day Lenten journey. The crosses of ash on our foreheads are a sign of penance for our sins, and a symbol of death, reminding us of our mortality and the need for repentance. We will spend the forty days fasting, praying and giving alms, in order to come even closer to our Lord as we approach Holy Week and Easter.

This prayer for Ash Wednesday is the alternative Collect for the day.

Father in heaven,
the light of Your truth bestows sight
to the darkness of sinful eyes
May this season of repentance
bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness
and the gift of your light. +Amen.