ASH WEDNESDAY-BEGINNING <br /> OF LENT <br /> <br />Today is Ash Wednesday, commencing a forty- <br />day’s period of the season of Lent; <br />In memory of the crucifixion, burial and <br />resurrection of Jesus Christ; <br />And His ascension to heaven, for which He <br />paid infinite price! <br />On this day, holy ash is smeared on the fore- <br />head, <br />Beginning a forty day’s period of fasting and <br />penance; <br />From dust we have risen, and into dust and <br />ashes we shall disseminate! <br />But following our soul-searching penance, <br />We shall emerge, with renewed vigor of both <br />mind and heart! <br />With a fresh inner re-birth, along with this <br />rejuvenated spirit of Spring, - <br />To make a fresh beginning! <br />This period of 40 days, has a special <br />significance, - <br />For Jesus withdrew for 40 days into the <br />wilderness, <br />And overcame the temptations of the devil, <br />By citing scriptures - to banish evil! <br />The final week of Lent, called the ‘Holy <br />Week’, <br />When all true believers do seek, - <br />His forgiveness, blessing and love, - <br />To make a renewed beginning! <br />This Holy Week begins a day after Palm <br />Sunday, - <br />Marking His triumphal entry into Jerusalem <br />on that day! <br />With Monday to Thursday in memory of His <br />final Passover, - the Last Supper; <br />His crucifixion on Good Friday; <br />And after 40 hours of burial, breaking all <br />mortal shackles, - <br />To get resurrected on Easter Sunday! <br />Now let us with hope await His second <br />coming, <br />With prayers all the way, - <br />To get resurrected on that Judgement Day! <br /> <br /> - Raj Nandy <br /> 25 Feb 09 – 'Ash <br /> Wednesday '. <br />(For all my readers who are not aware of <br /> the significance of 'LENT')<br /><br />RAJ NANDY<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ash-wednesday-beginning-of-lent/
