The first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, finds its name from where we are marked with ashes showing repentance of our sins and mourning. The ashes also represent our mortality. We are created from the earth and eventually that’s where we return. (you are dust and dust you shall return.) We started as nothing and our bodies will become dust and ashes after our death. Reminds us that nobody escapes physical death, and to look forward to eternal life.
Ashes are made into a cross on the forehead because in the ancient days that was the sign of being marked by Christ in baptism. We are no longer our own, but Jesus Christ owns us.
&