The ashes have been washed off.
What is left of the gesture? The gesture of being signed with the Cross is an important one. It speaks of awareness that we are passing through this world and that nothing is permanent when it comes to our lives, possessions, status or otherwise. We do our best for the day, in the day so that it may lead us to another.
As Lent begins, as the cross fades – allow its memory and shadow to shape us.
“Turn away from sin. Be faithful to the gospel.”