When All That's Left Is Ashes

Today is Ash Wednesday in the Church Year. It signals the beginning of the 40-day penitential season of Lent. With contrition we reflect on our sins and our need for a Savior. And the custom of having ashes smudged onto our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is a sobering reminder that one day, at the end of life, all that is left are the ashes. But you and I have a Savior who lifts us from the ash heap.