The ashes symbolize the frailty, the uncertainty, the instability of material things. As the palms, which once were fresh and green, are now dried and withered, so all things run their course and come to an end. Our bodies change, grow old, and die. Our achievements end. Rulers and governments rise and fall. Nothing in the world of created things is stable and lasting. The uncertainty of material things is stressed in the prayers used to bless the ashes, and as the priest places them on our foreheads, this fact is impressed upon our minds with the words of administration: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words urges us to cast away our trust in material things and to place our faith in God alone, who is unchanged, stable and eternal. The full significance of Easter begins with Ash Wednesday: As we acknowledge what is passing and what abides, we remember that it is only by God’s gracious gift in Christ that we are given everlasting life.
Just as there are changes in our personal lives during the season of Lent, so there are also changes in the music and liturgy of our worship. The organ is traditionally used to a lesser degree during Lent, so there will be no organ voluntaries for this service. The Gloria in excelsis and Alleluias are omitted during the season.