Ash Wednesday: A Call to Repentance and Renewal

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Ash Wednesday is more than just a ritual; it’s an invitation—a call to draw closer to God, to examine our hearts, and to realign our lives with His purpose.

Remember That You Are Dust

The ashes placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross come with a sobering reminder:

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)

This phrase humbles us, reminding us of our mortality. But it’s not meant to leave us in despair. Instead, it points us toward our need for Christ. We are not just dust—we are dust redeemed by the love of God. The cross in the ashes is a sign of both repentance and hope.

A Season of Surrender

Lent is often associated with fasting, prayer, and giving. These practices are not about empty religious duty but about making space for God. When we set aside distractions—whether food, social media, or other comforts—we create room for His presence to work in our lives.

Joel 2:12-13 reminds us of God’s heart:

"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments."

God desires true repentance, not just outward displays of religion. He calls us to return to Him with sincerity, with hearts ready to be transformed.

Hope in the Cross

While Ash Wednesday begins a season of solemn reflection, it ultimately leads us to the greatest hope—the resurrection of Christ. We are invited into a journey of dying to sin and rising to new life in Him.

So as we receive the ashes, let’s not wear them as just a symbol. Let’s carry them as a reminder to seek God more deeply, to walk in humility, and to trust in His grace.

May this Lent be a season of renewal in your faith, a time to let go of what weighs you down, and a journey that draws you closer to the One who gives life.