Ash Wednesday observed at Christ King Church

Ash Wednesday, a holy day of prayer and fasting was observed by the Catholic community at Christ the King, Church, Kohima on Wednesday.
Fr. Varghese Palathingal, SDB, who led the morning service spoke on the Lenten season- a time where the Christians prepared for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline for forty days.
Speaking on the significance of 40 days in the Holy Bible, Fr Varghese narrated the flood in Noah’s story that lasted for 40 days, how the Israel people wandered the deserts for 40 years and Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days in the desert, which he undertook before entering into public ministry and after his resurrection, he lived among his disciples for 40 days before assencsion into Heaven.
He also shared on the smearing of ash on the forehead, which was a symbol of penance and reminded the gathering with words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, which symbolized the fragility and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God.
During the holy period, he said that prayer was a conversation with God other than to receive praise and appreciation from other people. He therefore called upon the gathering to extend more love and care to others and encouraged on alms giving.
The most important days in the season of Lenten apart from Ash Wednesday, were Palm Sunday, Maundy or Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, leading to Easter.