The Significance of Ash Wednesday

They may just be ashes, but Fr. Mike points out that what they represent goes far beyond mere dust of the earth. With a simple cross on the forehead, we are recognizing that we are far from perfect, but that God loves and redeems us—not despite our brokenness, but in the midst of it. If you want to start off your Lent with a reminder of Ash Wednesday’s deeper meaning, listen to Fr. Mike’s heartfelt words in this video.

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[cjgirl]

"The ashes mean I'm a sinner. The cross means I have a savour" Father Mike.. Beautifully delivered...

[markthomas]

2024, Feb 14th. I love the Holy Spirit. ❤️❤️

[cherrywavez]

i was born a catholic...in my teenage years, i converted to sole christianity...recently, i feel catholicism calling out to me. i have so much to learn.

[tbhausen]

I’m becoming Catholic, fully immersed in RCIA right now. The last three minutes of this video are what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to my first Ash Wednesday where I really know its true meaning. Moving away from sin, opening my heart to the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, becoming a better person, there’s no better feeling. I’m truly living the happiest days of my life.

[ceciliayunes]

Fr Mike, What a Great Explanation of Ash Wednesday 👏 👌 🙌 👍

[MariaFuentes-vl]

“You are mine” hit HOME. Our God is an amazing father. Glory to Jesus

[ChloeCreatez]

THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFULLL I received the cross on my forehead today for the very first time in my life and the Mass felt so different and I teared up a little. I feel love, comfort, forgiveness as well as brokenness when I was listening to the readings and songs. I walked around with the cross on my forehead the whole day because it felt safe to have the cross on. At first, I did felt uncertain because people did looked at me while I was walking to class but eventually I didn't care because I'd rather feel safe than regret not having the cross on my forehead. It feels like God's grace is helping me fight the demons. Thank you for this wonderful video!!!

[jocaroljames]

Thank you Father Mike I cried when you said, you are mine the ashes are the in the shape of the cross Jesus was willing to pay so I could be His I’m a new catholic at age 70 guess it took me awhile to get the message. With love in Christ✝️ jc

[IrishAuntie]

Father Mike, that was the most beautiful and uplifting explanation of the Ashes that i've ever heard, and i'm 71 years old. Thank you for your inspiring words.

[eristonmansambu]

I have come back to this video on every Ash Wednesday since 2018 and I have always gone through it to the end with my eyes filled with tears of bitterness for my sins; at the same time, tears of gratitude as well for the mercy of God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And in Father Mike's words, “you're mine”😭... WOW... May God be praised always 🙌🏽

[amyd]

Thank you for this message… I’m a lifelong Catholic but have never heard Ash Wednesday explained this way, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

[tcapella]

I wish I could like this 100 times! Thank you! THE ASHES MEAN I AM A SINNER---THE CROSS MEANS I HAVE A SAVIOR! Love this!

[aineebasir]

Hey! I'm not a Catholic, not even a Christian. I'm a Muslim and this was super educational, really helped me understand things better, I see people attempting to understand Islam and I feel as a Muslim I must make the same effort😳

[humphreynwokolo]

I am truly lifted with these words, 'you are mine'.

[CLALVIZ]

Dear brother & sisters in Christ, lets take a moment to pray for all the priests around the world, especially for Fr. Mike.  May the Lord bless our priests and  preserve them from sin, and fortify them in grace and knowledge.  Also, we pray God to bless Fr Mike and to all and every one  priest on Earth with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  God bless you Fr. Mike.Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be doneon earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen!Hail Holy Queen of Heaven, pray for our priests!

[augustaaltman]

I’m not catholic. I was raised nondenominational. This spoke to me.
Thank you

[cateporfirio]

Amazing explanation. When you said “mine” I started crying and felt this presence of the Holy Spirit stronger than I have in a long time

[talentedtavious]

This is my first Ash Wednesday. I was invited by a friend. We will be attending after work. I didn’t know much about it but listening to you video gave me more reassurance. Thanks for the information. God Bless you!

[caseyhamm]

i have turned to alcohol lately instead of to Jesus when i have felt hopeless lately. i have been drawn to things that i ought not be. thank you, father, for making me realize how deep i am, how low i’ve been. i shall not waste this great gift Christ has given to me

[ieijnre]

Father Mike, this is a great sermon! Thank you! I'm preparing for Lent and Ash Wed. You wouldn't have said it better! I'm pretty much crying. Thank you for everything you do!