Smudge

Ash Wednesday today - finally!

I can't help but welcome Lent. I have learned that it gives me a chance to get outside myself, get away from some of the things that hold me captive. I went to Mass a noon, a beautiful service downtown. Usually there are 70-80 daily communicants; today there were about 300 there to celebrate the Eucharist and receive the imposition of ashes. The music and prayer were wonderful and ministered to my heart. The gentleman who was helping with the distribution of ashes, however, was a bit awkward and just sort of thumped my forehead with his thumb, instead of making the sign of the cross. A few ashes spilled over my glasses and down the front of my coat - but never mind. I still got my smudge and my reminder that I am dust and to dust I will return.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord,
all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings.

He does not treat us according to our sins
nor repay us according to our faults.
For as the heavens are high above the earth
so strong is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west
so far does he remove our sins.

As a father has compassion on his sons,
the Lord has pity on those who fear him;
for he knows of what we are made,
he remembers that we are dust.

                                        Psalm 103

And on Ash Wednesday, so do we.