1/13/2024 0 Comments Imposition of ashes when begunWe fast during these forty days to identify with Jesus’ forty days of fasting. Abraham notes in Genesis 18:27 that, as a man, he is merely “dust and ashes.” Genesis 3:19 notes that “from dust you were taken and to dust you shall return.” Thus, at the graveside we pastors will take a handful of dirt and place it on the casket with the words, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” Ashes imposed at the beginning of Lent point to our mortality and our need for Easter and the hope of the resurrection. Likewise, ashes expressed the Hebrews' grief at the death of a loved one, and at the same time were themselves a metaphor for our own mortality. The ashes imposed on the forehead at the beginning of Lent are a sign of our need for the salvation Jesus will offer and procure for us on Good Friday. Jesus makes reference to this in Matthew 11:21. The Hebrews would publicly express their remorse, grief or repentance by placing ashes on their heads or faces. The ashes point to our sin and mortality. Lent will end with Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The ashes that begin the season point us towards the ultimate end of the season. The Season of Lent began yesterday with Ash Wednesday.
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