Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Today is Ash Wednesday. Many Christians participate in this religious ceremony, and I was fortunate to attend today’s ceremony at St Peter, the Apostle, Catholic Church.

What Ash Wednesday means to me. Ash Wednesday, like Thanksgiving Day, is another opportunity to officially give thanks to Jesus Christ for tolerating 40 days of fasting; depriving Himself of luxuries; and finally suffering excruciating pain  on the cross to save mankind. Therefore, when I think of how much Jesus Christ did for us, it is not a big deal, for me, to give up something that I like to do during Lent.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season which lasts 40 days. The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from the burning of palms blessed in the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration. Also, some churches cover statues and images with purple shrouds during Lent.

The ashes remind me of the words: “Dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return,” and that eventually, I will die, and that I should use the time I have on earth wisely, in spite of having a debilitating chronic illness. Life is precious. I’m so grateful to be alive.