Do you have a smudge on your forehead?

I learned something new today. It's Ash Wednesday. What's Ash Wednesday, you ask? It's how Lent begins. Some people put a smudge of ashes on their forehead as a way to begin the hard work of penitence.Traditionally, as the smudge is put on the forehead, one would also say, "Dust you are, to dust you will return." (which reminds us of our humanness).


Penitence is basically sorrow for sins or faults. I don't believe it means trying to make up for them by being good or doing something noble. Thankfully, that's not the way it works.  It's just being aware of our many shortcomings.

According to the booklet I'm reading, penitence is  "the way we fine-tune our humanity." It's self-examination, and along with Lent, it's a reflection on the suffering of Jesus. I think it probably brings a much deeper meaning to the celebration of Easter. The smudges are there to remind us of the need to repent.

Well, I won't be smudging  the middle of my forehead today, but perhaps I will some other (less conspicuous) spot. Just to remind myself of who I am and a great way to begin Lenten reflection.