The Ash Wednesday service started in silence and ended in silence, sober and moving. A trio accompanied by flute and piano provided music interwoven with the liturgy. A rainbow of colored sands was poured out to symbolize the pouring out of our sins in confession, which were extensively cataloged. The scripture from the prophet Joel, reminded us that God is ready to love and forgive us despite our sins. Before going forward to receive the ashes we washed our hands in the sand, accepting forgiveness. In the final silence, I felt calmed and reassured, prepared for the coming 40 days of Lent.
