Various meaning of the Ashes

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : Ash  Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 6:1-6, 16-18*

*FIRST READING -Jl 2:12-18*

*SECOND READING -2 Cor 5:20-6:2*

*Various meaning of the Ashes*

*1) Use of the Ashes*

We begin our Lenten season by applying ashes on our forehead 

Since this is the very important gesture of Ash Wednesday, we need to understand the symbolic meaning this gesture. 

*2) Ash is a symbol of Humility*

In the book of Job, it becomes clear. (Job 42:3-6)

He realises that God is God and he who is a creature, mere dust and ashes in the presence of God. 

In the Book of Genesis, 3:19 Ashes represent not only repentance, but humility as well. 

*3) Ash is a Reminder of death and a call to wisdom*

When the priest imposes the ashes on the forehead, he says *You are dust and unto dust  you shall return* reminds us about our own death 

So to consider our final end is wise. Any failure to understand this hard reality is not only a foolishness but, loss of eternal life.  

*4) Ashes are the Symbol of Purification*

In the Old Testament ashes were used for the ritual purity and cleansing 

It also symbolized repentance and a desire to be free from sin 

In itself the Ashes can not take away the sins. But they can motivate us to repent our sins and go for confession in order to change our life 

*5) Ashes are the sign of True Change*

When the news of destruction, reached to the King of Nineveh, he took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust/ashes 

The king and the entire household did this gesture as a symbol of repentance to change their life 

Later we see that there was a great change and God didn't destroy Nineveh because they chdnged their life 

*6) Ashes also symbolizes the Temporariness of Something*

Ash can't remain for long. Its existence is for only few moments. This also conveys a great message 

Human life here on this earth is not permanent. We are here for a short period of time and with a mission 

So ashes reminds us to think about the shortness  of our life and to live accordingly. 

*As you receive the ashes tomorrow, what will be your understanding of it?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*