In today's news analysis correspondent write on the significance of Ash Wednesday to the Christendom and the society at large.
Ash Wednesday is a very important Holy day in the Liturgical calendar and it is observed by christians of various denominations, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Baptists among others.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of lent, a season of penance, reflection and fasting for forty six days before Easter.
But if the sundays from which the fasting is not observed, are excluded from the forty six days, then the days of fasting before Easter will be forty days.
Easter is the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead by which christians attained redemption.
Ash Wednesday was originated from the ancient Jewish traditional practice of penance and fasting.
It also symbolizes grief, sorrow, and true repentance.
The Holy Bible in the old testament gives accounts of how the people of Nineveh, King David and other Jews marked themselves with ashes and wore sack clothes to show remorse for their sins with a view to receiving divine mercy and forgiveness from God.
On ash wednesday the priest or the clergy administers ashes on the fore heads of interested christians in the sign of the cross.
Furthermore, the priest enjoins partaker to remember that they originated from dust and to dust will they return, with an advice to them to repent and believe the gospel.
The ashes are a symbol of penance made sacred by the blessing of the church and it help christians to develop the spirit of humanity and sacrifice.
Why the ashes symbolizes penance and contrition, they are also a reminder of God's grace and mercy to those who are repentant.
The church on this day is expected to seek God's mercy for our nation Nigeria as the Ninevites did in Bible days.
Consequently christians politicians, religious leaders and other Nigerians should use the lenten period to repent from their wrong doing and turn a new leaf.
For those christians who have stolen public funds, they should repent and return such monies as well as do things that will positively impact the Nigerian society.
Such spirit of penance no doubt will promote inclusive and sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.
Spiritually speaking christians should sincerely repent and demonstrate it in their daily activities, habits, behaviours as well as service to God and humanity.
Nigerians should remember that God cannot be mocked or deceived, knowing too well that we all shall give account of our earthly activities to our creator.
The time to repent is now.
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