For millions of Christians today is the observance of “Ash Wednesday,” the beginning of 40 days of Lent (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. A day of austerity, fasting, and abstinence for many, today starts a period of introspection, confession of sin, and prayer as we proceed to the joyful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. Often people receive ashes on the forehead as a mark of humility and reminder of the constant need for God’s forgiveness. I like the Ash Wednesday prayer in The Book of Common Prayer, “Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.” And then, as the ashes are imposed, the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” How do you see yourself and the Lord today?

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