I’m glad that we receive ashes only once a year and have the opportunity to receive the Eucharist everyday (and not the other way around!). Both actions express the same message: we are incapable of sustaining ourselves. On Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of what we are when no longer sustained by God: dust. The Eucharist, on the other hand, IS what sustains us—God’s grace—the presence of Jesus within us. The message of Ash Wednesday is not morbid; it is a joyful reminder that, with God’s life within us, we are so much more than dust and ashes!
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Explaining Ash Wednesday to Children
Ash Wednesday is popular with children because ashes are such a tangible symbol. People of all ages love when the spiritual is made physical, when they can touch and feel something real. The Church gives us sacramentals such as blessed ashes, palms, rosaries, and candles to help us open up to God’s grace. Explaining the meaning behind the ashes is important for children to understand why they are walking around with dirt on their foreheads. […]
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A CALENDAR of 40 Lenten Activities!
I couldn’t resist offering one more Lenten calendar for you! This one comes to us courtesy of my Loyola Press colleague Linnette Mathys who thought it would be a good idea to arrange my 40 Ideas for 40 Days into a calendar! Thanks, Linnette…this is very cool! I’m very lucky and blessed to be surrounded by so many talented and creative people whose work ends up somehow making ME look good! Click here for an […]
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What’s That on Your Forehead? – My Popular Ash Wednesday Post
Here’s a popular Ash Wednesday post of mine called, “What’s that on Your Forehead?” Q: Hey, your forehead’s dirty. What’s that on your forehead? A: Ashes…they’re from church. Q: Why did your church put dirt on your forehead? A: It’s not dirt; they’re ashes. Today’s Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Catholics wear ashes to show that we want to change to get ready for Easter. Q: Are they supposed to be in […]
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