It is not a boastful sign through which I say, 'Look at me and see how holy I am.' No, it is much more like, 'I'm willing to wear this sign in the world and say that I've been reminded of where I come from and where I am going. It challenges us, for sure, but reminds us of why we want to turn from sin.įinally, we wear our ashes as a sign. We are reminded that our call is to turn away from sin and to believe the Good News of our salvation in Jesus.

But, we are also reminded that our lasting home is in eternity, with God. We are reminded that we are creatures and that our lives were given to us. 'Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.' 'Remember, man/woman, you are dust and to dust you will return.' When the ashes are placed on our foreheads, the minister says one of two formulas to help us remember who we are and the mission to which we are sent: We will make sacrifices, in order to try to let God reform our desiring, but this is a time for God to be generous to us. On this first day of Lent, we begin a journey of renewal - from death to life. So, these ashes bring us back to our last celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus for us. The ashes come from the burnt Palms from last year's Passion Sunday celebration, which begins Holy Week. It is done for two reasons: a personal act of remembrance and as a sign or a witness for others. Ashes are placed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday, in one of the most counter-cultural acts of our faith.

Imposition of ashes meaning