Ash Wednesday begins Lenten season

Dear friends of our community,
The Lenten season begins on Wednesday, March 5. On that day, many celebrate “Ash Wednesday.” There are a few different explanations of the reason for wearing ashes but as with the observance of Lent, we acknowledge our need for repentance.
There are several illustrations from the Bible of wearing ashes. For example, in Daniel 9:3 “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” You will also find in Numbers 19 that for the “unclean,” one should “put some ashes from the burned purification offering into a jar and pour fresh water over them.” The common thread in these verses is that we express the fact that we are sinners. We are in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.
If you attend an “Ash Wednesday” worship service, there will likely be a time of reflection, confession of sin and then the ashes would be applied to your forehead. The ashes are applied in the shape of a cross and usually the words “for you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19). These words came from the Lord God after Adam fell to sin in the Garden of Eden. He was reminded that he is dust and he will return to dust one day. This is not to show an eternal separation, rather, a dependence on God and a need for His grace.
The season of Lent is a time of reflection, a reminder of the preparation of our hearts for what Jesus would go through for us. Our sin put Him on the Cross, yet, He willingly bore our sin as a sign of His love and the reconciliation we have with God through Jesus! Many people will have a time of fasting and/or sacrifice something during these six weeks as well, giving something up as a reminder of the Ultimate Sacrifice made for us.
Not all congregations in our community celebrate Lent. This is not something we as pastors sit around and debate whether one should or not. However, as your community of pastors, I assure you, we know that there is One and Only One Way to the Father, and that is through Jesus Christ who died on the Cross for each of us… Lenten Season observers or not…He still died for you.
If you would like to receive ashes early on Ash Wednesday, perhaps on your way to work or school, several Kasson-Mantorville Ministerial Team members will be offering “Coffee and Ashes” again this year in the parking lot near Due North coffee on Wednesday, March 5 from 7-9a.m. If you don’t practice the Lenten season and/or Ash Wednesday, but would like to receive a blessing and prayer, we will be doing that too!
Swing in for a cup of coffee and visit with one of the KM Ministerial Team members. Check your local churches for Ash Wednesday services and other Lenten Season services offered. Our community is extremely blessed with many churches that offer several opportunities to share in God’s grace.
As Easter approaches, I pray that you are reminded of our need for a Savior. One that has stamped your life “redeemed.” The price has been paid in full, and by placing your trust in Him, Life is given. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:7). Hallelujah, we are so blessed!
Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor Pete
South Zumbro Lutheran Church