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For dust you are and to dust you
shall return. (Genesis 3:19) We were reminded of this on
Ash Wednesday, February 6, at the Reconciliation
Assembly. Some of us by receiving ashes in the form of a
cross on the forehead; all of us by the words that were
spoken.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of
Lent. Dan Cronin, in his opening remarks, told us that
Lent means spring in Old English. Spring is a time of
renewal, of new growth. Dan said that Lent is a time of
reconciliation when we forgive others, ask for their
forgiveness, and ask God for forgiveness. This way we
can begin anew and come closer to God. We were then led
in prayer by Eddy Gaston.
Father Mendez read from the Gospel
of Mathew where Jesus instructs his disciples how to
give alms, how to fast, and how to pray. In his talk
after the Gospel, he reminded us that we are now the
disciples of Jesus.
Next ashes were given to all those
who chose to receive them. The ashes are made by burning
the palms that are given out on Palm Sunday. They remind
us that we are but dust and symbolize a commitment to
reconciling ourselves with God over the 40 days of Lent.
At the end of the assembly, there were priests available
to give the sacrament of reconciliation to those who
wanted it.
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