Ash Wednesday 2014

Ash Wednesday 2014

Today is the start of Lent 2014. This photo arrangement shows Humble Blogger's wooden cross from the Crosier Order (acquired in 1973). The cross is 2" long from top to bottom, about 1" wide and is meant to be worn around the neck. The cross sits atop burnt Palm leaves from Palm Sunday 2013 all on top of a flat piece of cedar. Ashes like these are applied to Catholic's foreheads today to signify that someday we will return to the dirt of the ground from which we were taken. "For you are dust and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19).  Other Christian denominations also observe Ash Wednesday. 

Joel 2:12-14*

12 Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping and mourning.

13 Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the Lord, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.

14 Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing.
Offerings and libations
for the Lord, your God.

*Verses from today's Ash Wednesday Mass readings, are quoted from a ragged "The New American Bible" (St. Joseph Edition), Catholic Book Publishing Co, New York, © 1970.  Humble Bloggers Mother owned and read this bible often.  She died August 19, 2004 at the age of 86.