For me Ash Wednesday is significant because it is a reminder of our human mortality. God created us from dust, so to dust we all return. It is a reminder for me to be humble at all times. We don’t own our lives, and time will come that we will return to our Creator. So, while we are here on earth, we must do good things for the glory of God. Ash Wednesday is the start of Lenten season, it reminds me to reflect on my sinfulness here on earth and repent for it.
— Cristina Rios Alcausin
Ash Wednesday is a day for remembering that we are all sinful people who desperately need Christ’s redemption. I recognise the significance of it as the beginning of the Lenten season by attending Mass and through fasting, penance and alms. We’re barely into 2023, and it still feels like Lent from the last year, to be honest. Yet there are hopeful signs on the horizon that we must hold onto in this time of turmoil and grief — the strength of the communities we draw love and sustenance from, and what we bring into our family lives. In this time of stress and tension, let seeds of hope nurture the relationships we have.
— Elvy Buena
Ash Wednesday for me is not just about the tradition of putting a cross out of ashes on our forehead, but the realisation that we are sinners, to accept that we are not perfect even though we are serving in the Church. It’s the humbleness of heart to say I am sorry to people we hurt, and forgive those who hurt us. And forgive ourselves for giving in to sins. But most of all a reminder that the cross on our head is a reminder of who should be on the top of our being. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, as a symbol of love to humanity. — Brenda Galfo
Ash Wednesday reminds me of Jesus’ sufferings, that in faith, hope and love we might have life here on earth as it is in heaven
— Cecilia Golez
Every time I receive ashes during Ash Wednesday I always recall that I am a sinful person and my life belongs to God. I repent for my sinfulness because through repentance, it changed my life to a hopeful and joyful one.
I experienced that after receiving ashes on my forehead. I looked at a mirror to see if the ashes were still there I wanted it to remain on my forehead for the day as a reminder of how weak and sinful mankind is and how merciful and forgiving our God is.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
— Vicky Nepolda
Ash Wednesday is the start of Lenten season. A time of repentance and a reminder of death. It reminds me that I came from dust and I will return into dust. Dust signifies that I am nothing compared to God who made my existence into this world. As I came from dust, I should live in humility and meekness, repent from my sinfulness and amend my life. In everything that I do I should offer them all to God and surrender to him all my worries and pains in life. During Ash Wednesdays, my family and I attend the Holy Mass. Our favourite part is when the priest marks our foreheads with ash, which is very symbollic and I feel deep repentance and grieve for my sinfulness.
— Bernadette Gacusana Raboc
Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God. The ash cross marking observers’ foreheads is meant to encourage them to repent and do penance for their sins. It is applied by a priest during a Mass, often along with a small blessing, as a reminder that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Many choose to keep the cross on their forehead all day. Lent season is the time for me to examine my own spiritual journey.
— Jenel Sandoval
Ash Wednesday is the mark of the beginning of Lent season. As a Christian, I prepare myself for the resurrection of Jesus, by fasting, reflecting, doing penance and receiving the Sacrament of Confession. It is not easy but I need to do so as I need to remind myself often that I am a sinner and I need God, I need Jesus in my life. Ash Wednesday is not just simply receiving ashes and put it on our forehead. It is a reminder and a symbol that we are made from dust and to dust we shall return.
In this Lent season, I hope that more people can focus on God’s goodness and share it with others with a grateful heart. Let’s remind ourself that through our sins Jesus was crucified, he suffered for us and offered his life, for the sake of our salvation. And that’s because of his love for us.
— Lorna Tuburan
