During Mardi Gras -- we put masks on
Beginning Ash Wednesday – we take masks off.
Ash Wednesday services draw on the ancient biblical traditions of covering one's head with ashes, wearing sackcloth, and fasting as a sign of mourning and penitence.
The ashes are a reminder that one day we will die, and the shape of the cross reminds us of 2 things
1) Whether we live or whether we die, we are not alone. We belong to God. On Ash Wednesday we are marked with the same cross on forehead as we were when we were baptized when we were claimed for Christ/God. The priest or deacon made a cross on your forehead and said:
“[Name,] the Christian community welcomes you
with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our
Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross
on your forehead, and invite your parents and
godparents to do the same
2) Jesus gave his body and blood for us on the cross. During Lent we give something back to Jesus. What will you give back to Jesus this Lent?
OK, give something physical up for lent, but how about adding this?
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.Fast from criticism; feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity; feast on joy.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from jealousy; feast on love.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from selfishness; feast on service.
Fast from Fear; feast on faith.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from concern; feast on compassion from others.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
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