Fr. Tony was new to our parish and passionate in his vocation. He gave an entire homily on our response: “It is right to give You thanks and praise.” I was lifted up by his enthusiasm. I have no idea how long he spoke, but the Spirit soared in my heart and throughout my body and mind. As Fr. Tony spoke from the stirrings of his heart, I was invited to go deep. I realized that I, too, could exult in God.

The meaning of ashes on our foreheads takes us to the ground of our beings where God’s truth and mystery dwells. In awe, we stand gazing at our own lives and moments of wonder that help us to gaze at the cross with humbled and expanded hearts. From ashes to awe to the cross we stand in our truth before the crucified one and allow God to be God.