This week Christians will be marking Ash Wednesday, writes the Revd Dr Amanda Bloor, Diocesan Advisor in Women’s Ministry, Diocese of Oxford

It’s the day when we begin the season of Lent, which takes us through the 40 weekdays until the celebration of Easter.

Traditionally, it’s a period of reflection, a time to think about what is important, set aside bad habits, pray, and get ready mentally and spiritually for the most important weekend in the Christian calendar.

On Ash Wednesday, many people will go to church and as part of the service, ash will be smeared onto their foreheads as a reminder that we are all going to die one day: ‘remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.’

That might sound a bit morbid, but it’s something that our faith tells us we don’t have to be afraid of.

The ashes used to mark the sign of the cross on our foreheads are usually made by burning the palm crosses saved from last year. It’s a reminder to me that public opinion can change very quickly.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and was greeted by an ecstatic crowd, waving palm branches, shouting out in welcome, and laying their coats on the ground for him to travel on.

They thought that he was wonderful – but only five days later, they were baying for his blood, giving him up to the Roman authorities and demanding that he was crucified. In today’s world, electronic media and constantly updated news services mean that reputations can be enhanced or destroyed on a global level with almost incredible speed.

We seem to take pleasure in building someone up, and then knocking them down.

For me, Lent is a time to step back from what the world thinks is important, and to try to work out what really matters.

Some people will fast, or eat more simply, to show that they’re not controlled by greed, or to act in solidarity with those who don’t have enough to eat.

Some will try to give up something that’s become an obsession rather than a pleasure in their life, or take up something that benefits others instead. What’s important is that it’s done in order to draw closer to God.

What the world values can change rapidly. Who’s in, who’s out, what’s up, what’s down. But God stays constant, and it’s God that matters.

That’s why I’ll wear dust and ashes on my forehead next Wednesday, and remember to be thankful.