Video - Ash Wednesday through Art

Ash Wednesday through Art. See video link below.

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 17th February 2021 - Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men's admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.

'And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.

'When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.'

Introductory words to the Video

Today, Ash Wednesday, we begin the liturgical season of Lent. The ashes used for Ash Wednesday are made from the burned and blessed palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday. These ashes are the product of a 'death' of the palm branch, dried out and burned, and turned into the fine powder of ash. We use this sign of death at the beginning of Lent to mark our journey from 'dying' to self towards a new life. On Palm Sunday we will be given a new palm branch by the Church… Lent takes us full circle.

In this video we look a little closer to the mention of ashes in Scripture and the symbolism of the palm branches. As we embark today on this annual adventure in our faith, may we embrace each day Lent brings as an opportunity to bring us closer to Christ.

Wishing you all a grace filled Lent,

See Video here: www.christian.art/videos.php

Patrick