Metropolitan Archbishop Bobby Land Jr. opened the Wednesday Mass by sharing with the faithful the spiritual meaning of Ash Wednesday. "Ash Wednesday known as the Day of Ashes is a day of reflection and repentance, when Christians of all faiths confess their sins and profess their devotion to God", he said. During Mass a priest places ashes on a worshiper's forehead in the sign of the cross. The ceremony, which can be performed by other priest in the diocese is meant to show that a person belongs to Jesus Christ. The ashes also represent sorrow and mourning for one's sins, sins that Jesus Christ gave his life for when he died on the cross'', the Archbishop said.
The cardinal priest applies the ashes to the forehead of the worshiper by saying, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return, Repent and Believe the Gospel''.
The Archbishop proclaims again, "Jesus invites us to accompany him on this forty days journey. Matthew Ch 4:1 -11. Let us fast and pray that God's will and purpose prevail. Again, we will not just survive the trials of Lent, but rather tear down the strongholds of evil throughout this season. These ashes proclaim to the world that we are united in brotherly love''.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season leading up to Easter in which we believe Jesus Christ was resurrected.
''Let us proclaim Him "The Christ". And may our Eternal Father bless, keep, and preserve Us as we enter this most Holy Lent Season''.
