The Crucifix above the Altar at The Church of The Holy Comforter 18 Davies Place Poughkeepsie, NY http://www.holycomforterny.org
Isaiah 58:5-7 ” Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed, and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed?
Many throughout the world acknowledge Ash Wednesday as the beginning of the Lenten Season in preparation for Easter. Many fast and grow in a greater awareness of the need for the dependence upon Christ. Others gather at the church for the Ash Wednesday Service and are given the sign of the cross in Ashes to remind them that in time we shall return to the earth and to grow in our eternal salvation of the Lord. This begins a 40 day journey to symbolize Christ’s 40 days and 40 nights of fasting. We are to try to emulate Christ in our walk through giving up of our self. We are called into this relationship with Christ to first learn how to be surrendered into humility. This is a wonderful time to deepen our awareness of Christ through a greater degree of Devotion, Prayer and self-sacrifice. Welcome to the Season of Lent.
Mid-Week Prayer: ” Lord help me to grow in my dependence on you and not my routines of life and self reliance. The difficulty of surrender can be painful Lord, yet in the end so worth while. Help me to grow as your little disciple and glorify you and only you in all my successes. Amen!! “
Braman Foundation of Charities 