As the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday calls us to remember our earthly mortality and thus repent and believe in the Gospel. The ashes are a sign of penance and also a reminder that we will die a temporal death and thus should seek the kingdom of God, so that we may live with Jesus and the Church Triumphant forever in heaven. 

The Gospel for Ash Wednesday is a reminder that the real purpose of the season of Lent isn’t to make public demonstrations of piety—even the wearing of ashes—but to seek conversion of heart.