Area churches mark beginning of Lenten season

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Duane Jesse describes the imposition of ashes as a “visible sign of humility.”

The senior pastor of Zion Lutheran Church conducted afternoon and evening services Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The minister said these words from Genesis 3:19, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return” as he made the sign of the cross with ashes on people’s foreheads.

Pastor Jesse said the act of coming forward to receive ashes also is a sign of submission and humility. In the Old Testament, he said, “ashes represent death and sorrow for sins.” He continued that “ashes are a stark reminder of human mortality which is a compelling reason to do penance.”

He noted that some churches get the ashes from Christian stores. At Zion, palms from the previous Palm Sunday are burned. “I add a touch of chrism oil so that the ashes adhere to the skin,” he said today.

Pastor Jesse explained that Advent and Lent are both “seasons of preparation.” Advent prepares Christians for the birth of the Messiah, while Lent leads up to the Passion of Christ and his Resurrection.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com