What's with all that ash?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season in western Christianity. The priest's homily during the 7pm service at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Los Banos reminded the attendees of the significance of today's commemoration. Indeed, why is ash placed on the forehead?

The priest related the answers of some of the people he interviewed. One said that people around him were going to church, so he went with them. Another person said that he did not know what Ash Wednesday is all about. The third person replied that he wanted to make a strong statement to the whole world that he is a good Catholic. Putting ash on one's forehead, the priest said, does not make one a good Christian. What makes a person a good Christian is his heart. The ash serves as a reminder of the commitment one has made with his Creator. It is but a step to being a good Christian. 

Forty days from today, we will be commemorating the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus. The fasting begins...

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