Just returned from Mass and taking part in Ash Wednesday. According to Wiki: Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are 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[1] (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the priest who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his own forehead and then on each of those present who kneel before him at the altar rail. As he does so, he recites the words: “Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
So what am I giving up for Lent this year? Well, these next forty days are really important to me. Returning to St. Petersburg has been very satisfying and yet very difficult for me. I’m very happy to be near so many of my friends and family again, but the criticism I continue to receive for my past deeds is a difficult cross to bear.That said, being called a son-of-a-bitch is nothing compared to the trials and tribulations so many others are facing right now. So I am looking forward to the Lenten period to renew my commitment to why I returned to St. Petersburg. That said, I’ll be giving up hard liquor, table salt, cheese, red meat, cursing and, of course any gambling. Basically, I’ll be doing the things I should be doing!
