As the morn of Ash Wednesday started, I wondered how I'm going to live this season of Lenten and what sinful behavior I'm going to leave behind (repent and avoid). As usual in my case at least, I must be related to sex since I'm promiscuous and damaged.
That evening during the 6pm service, I saw a cop in church. It was interesting to see a man of the laws of men where people study or need the Laws of God. There he stood with his Glock semiautomatic pistol and Kavlar body armor listening to the service and got his share of ashes smudged on his forehead. Maybe these ashes and his faith are a stronger body armor than the Kavlar. Maybe the Laws of God protect him better than the laws he upholds.
Showing posts with label ash wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ash wednesday. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
smudged with ashes
Lent is less than 24 hours away. Tomorrow I'd go to church and get my forehead smudged with ashes from last year's palms or so we're told. As a Christian, I'm supposed to give up something sinful and/or wrong in my life for the rest of my life especially for the next 40 days. I have no idea what I'll give up this time around, but I must confess that I couldn't give up what I tried last year. Does this make me a bad Christian or a bad person? Well someone upstairs will sure decide.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
ashes to ashes, dust to dust
So yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the day church goers get a smudge of black ashes on their foreheads. I'm still trying to understand all the reasons behind this tradition, which marks the beginning of Lent.
As I understand, the ashes are from last year's palms (Palm Sunday). Being smudged with ashes is a reminder that we were created from dirt (mud) and that we'll return to the dirt when we die. It's also seen as a reminder of the sacrament of baptism, in which we were named children of God. A third meaning is penitence for our sins.
Nonetheless last night I went to FAPC to get smudged with ashes. It was a weird and new experience for me to say the least. I had no idea what to say as the pastor put the ashes on my forehead with his right thumb. I think that he smiled at my ignorance.
As I understand, the ashes are from last year's palms (Palm Sunday). Being smudged with ashes is a reminder that we were created from dirt (mud) and that we'll return to the dirt when we die. It's also seen as a reminder of the sacrament of baptism, in which we were named children of God. A third meaning is penitence for our sins.
Nonetheless last night I went to FAPC to get smudged with ashes. It was a weird and new experience for me to say the least. I had no idea what to say as the pastor put the ashes on my forehead with his right thumb. I think that he smiled at my ignorance.
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