A Day of Ashes

It begins with receiving ashes on your forehead. It involves repentance, reflection, introspection, honesty and laying yourself bare. And sometimes it means you give up something. These things – and so much more – are tied up in a remarkable holy time of 40 days that begins today for those who seek to follow Jesus more faithfully. There’s nothing magical about receiving ashes, just as there’s nothing righteousness-generating in engaging in a disciplined behavior for 40 days. What matters about this day of ashes is getting serious about Jesus who is eternally serious about you.