NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As the 40-day Lenten season began on Wednesday, many persons were reminded that, “ to dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return”.
It is a common phrase that is repeated by Catholic and Anglican priests as they mark a cross of ashes on the foreheads of persons who attended Ash Wednesday services at various churches throughout the capital.
The ashes are meant to show that a person belongs to Jesus Christ, and it represents a person’s grief and mourning for their sins – the same sins that Christians believe Jesus Christ gave his life for when he died on the cross.
During the Lenten season, some persons also give up something for a 40-day period – such as red meat, alcohol or sweet treats.
Anglican Archbishop, Drexel Gomez said it is important to take this period of reflection very seriously.
“Show your sincerity from your heart. Whatever you do for the Lord, must come from the heart. We must be genuine and we must be authentic,” Gomez said.
Catholic Deacon Sam Mitchell also spoke of the importance of self-sacrifice during this Lenten season.
“Ash Wednesday is very important in the life of the church because it is the day when we must come to the realization that God has asked us to do something,” he said.
“And that is to fast so that we can be drawn closer to him. We live in a world where we have no time for meditation. God is asking us to think about our desert experience and come closer to Him.”
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This article was written by Matthew Moxey – Eyewitness News Online Intern
