From dust we came and To dust we shall return

For the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter.
        And this two-thousand and ten, it falls on February 17, 2010... which is Today :)

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are typically gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to bebaptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the minister who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his or her own forehead and then on those of congregants. The minister administering ashes recites the words: "Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", or "Repent, and believe the Gospel."
        So, I actually heard mass early this morning, and the priest placed ash on my forehead. I was laughing hard when Rayann, a High School batchmate, sent this Group (Text) Message: "Today, we would have had mass in the morning and comparing whose ash on the forehead is darker if we were back in Hijas." HAHAHA. This is so true :)
        Now is the start of the Lenten season. Jesus is coming to save us from our sins by dying on the cross. In forty days, it'll be Easter Sunday (and I'll be in Dumaguete to celebrate the Holy Week!).
        Today's a day for abstinence, and fasting.
        Reminder to self: No meat on Fridays! It's a sacrifice for Jesus. :) 

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