Emphasis Preaching Journal
The first time Marge heard...
Illustration
The first time Marge heard the words of the Imposition of Ashes during the Ash Wednesday Service she was horrified. What did they mean, "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return"? How could people stand having that large black cross smeared on their foreheads? Over a period of years, Marge's horror slowly gave way to understanding. That black cross became for her a seal of her relationship with God. As Marge grew in faith toward God, she knew that she was redeemed by Christ's cross and guided by God's Spirit. -- Conroy