'The people with dirty faces' may have been an accurate description of us on Wednesday. If we could we received the ashes that mark the beginning of Lent. We were told our future in no uncertain terms: 'Dust you are and unto dust you shall return', we were also urged to 'Repent, and believe in the gospel'.
But all this straight talking didn't make us feel depressed or downhearted. We were able to hear these messages because we believe in the message of Easter: Christ is risen. The next six weeks takes us on a journey from dust to glory. In union with the whole Church we are on our way to the Easter Vigil. At that celebration thousands upon thousands will be reborn in the waters of the font, and we who were baptised several years ago will renew our commitment to our baptismal calling.
Almost every parish in these islands will have someone preparing for baptism, confirmation, and eucharist. Find out the name of your candidates and pray for them. More than ever Christians need the life of the Church community to support them in their faith. As we walk with those who are being received into fuller communion with the Church our own faith is strengthened as well as theirs. We, 'the people with dirty faces' will soon be sharing in the new life that is poured out from the font. Jesus is our living water who washes our sin away.