I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments (Colossians 2:4)

On the first day of our Lenten reflection, let us reflect on Genesis 3:19. The season of Lent begins with a profound reminder of our mortality and our profound need for the divine. The words, "For you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19), spoken on Ash Wednesday, set a tone of humility and introspection for the forty days leading up to Easter. This phrase is not merely an acknowledgment of our physical nature but a call to spiritual awakening. In this solemn declaration lies a deeper truth about our existence. We are reminded of the fleeting nature of our earthly life and the impermanence of all that we hold dear. This realization, however, is not meant to lead us into despair but to draw us closer to the eternal, to God, who is our ultimate beginning and end. Lent provides a sacred space for self-examination and repentance. It is a time to reflect on our human frailty and to acknowledge our sins, not to wallow in guilt, but to understand the immense love an...

Ash Wednesday stands as a pivotal observance in the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the onset of Lent— a 40-day period of fasting , prayer , and penitence leading to Easter Sunday . This day is distinguished by the unique tradition of blessing ashes, obtained from the previous year's Palm Sunday palm branches, and applying them in the form of a cross on participants' foreheads. This act serves as a profound reminder of mortality and an expression of repentance. Ash Wednesday stands as a pivotal observance in the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the onset of Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penitence leading to Easter Sunday. Source . The Historical Significance of Ash Wednesday Since the early Middle Ages, Ash Wednesday has been a significant observance within the Christian community, evolving into the practice we see today. It is recognized by various Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some Protestant groups....