For most Christians, tomorrow marks the beginning of Lent, a season of repentance, forgiveness and mercy.
This penitential season leads us to the great feast of Easter, when we remember Christ’s resurrection.
So, why start with ashes? From Old Testament times (Esther 4:3, Isaiah 58:3, Jeremiah 6:26, Daniel 9:3), ashes have been a sign of repentance. Jesus spoke of the use of sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:21 and Luke 10:13).