Truth’s perpetual flame illuminates the darkness. Opposing opinions about truth in our time create tension. If I consider light as something that I can understand or control, then perhaps that diminishes the light but does not extinguish it. Sometimes my ego, stubbornness or pride can block the light of truth if I close myself off from new ideas or solutions. I may not want to consider the truth, especially if it confuses me or makes me uncomfortable. What of mystery and wonder? A moonbow bewildered me at first. That did not stop me from marveling or expanding my notion of what was possible.

The meaning of ashes on our foreheads takes us to the ground of our beings where God’s truth and mystery dwells. In awe, we stand gazing at our own lives and moments of wonder that help us to gaze at the cross with humbled and expanded hearts. From ashes to awe to the cross we stand in our truth before the crucified one and allow God to be God.