Ashes. In the Old Testament ashes represent death and sorrow for sins. Ashes and dust are synonymous. Our bodies are made of dust (Gen 2:7), and upon death they return to “dust and ashes” (Gen 18:17). Ashes serve as a stark reminder of human mortality which is a compelling reason to do penance. In biblical times, once people admitted their sins they covered themselves with sackcloth and ashes (Jer 6:26; 25:34; Dan 9:3; Jonah 3:6,10) as a public admission of guilt, a plea for God’s mercy, a promise to reform, and a pledge to resist future temptation. The ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from the burning of palms from previous Palm Sundays, the residue is crushed into a fine powder, and then applied to the forehead in the Sign of the Cross with one of two statements: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel” (Mk 1:15) or “Remember you are dust and unto dust you will return” (Gen 3:19). Antiphon I on Ash Wednesday urges us: “Come back to the Lord with all your heart; leave the past in ashes.” Violet. Violet is the liturgical color for the season of Lent, as well as the color of the stole worn by the priest for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Violet is a somber color which symbolizes mourning, suffering, humility, regret, and the willingness to do penance, particularly fasting. Violet’s association with suffering is based upon Jesus’ Passion when the soldiers clothed him in a purple cloak and tortured him (Mk 15:17-20; Jn 19:2-3).
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 21:51:33 +0000
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