Ashes

“Seek a relationship when you pray, not answers. You won’t always find answers, but you will always find Jesus.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz


Ashes are an ancient symbol we encounter on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. In the Genesis, we read that God formed human beings out of the dust of the earth (2:7). Later, after expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve are told by God, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (3:19 NRSV). The Hebrew word "aphar" is translated in scripture as both “dust” and “ashes.” Throughout scripture, ashes are part of rituals of mourning and forgiveness. God prescribes the use of ashes for the people in Numbers 19:9,17.  In Jonah 3:6, as the king hears of God’s wrath on Ninevah, he sits down in ashes as a sign that he understood his people and his own sin. In the New Testament in Hebrews, we hear about ashes as a sign of being cleansed. These passages are only a sampling of how God and the people of God have long connected ashes to sanctified life.


On Ash Wednesday we receive the ashes as a cross written on our forehead. These ashes represent much to us. First, they are a symbol of our sinfulness before God. It may seem simple, but we often forget or actively ignore this truth; the ashes serve as a very visible reminder. Second, our human mortality. We came and we will leave; we began and we will end. We are reminded that, while both of these events (birth and death) are significant, they only serve as bookends to the story of our life. The service focuses us on both themes and–along with the proclamation of Jesus’ death and resurrection–propels us from mourning and finality to praise and rejoicing for eternal life.


"During the Season of Lent the Holy Spirit drives us too, like Jesus, into the desert. It is not…a physical place, but rather an existential dimension in which we can be silent and listen to the word of God.”   – Pope Francis


Lent is the season where we strive to overcome ourselves and give God the gift of self. It is a season of fear and hope, discouragement and strength, rejection and renewal. Lent is a season of preparation for Easter, mirroring Jesus’ forty days in the desert and also anticipating his passion, death, and triumphant resurrection. Lent is an opportunity to reflect on your faith and strengthen your relationship with God and others through prayer, fasting, acts of charity, and spiritual reading.


Each year, then, by calling us to turn away from sin and soul-sapping distractions, Lent helps us focus on what truly matters, drawing us closer to God as we prepare to celebrate the triumphant joy of the Easter season.


“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst… Repent and believe.”  –  Teresa of Calcutta


I pray you embrace the gift of Lent.


Ashes.


Fr. Bill+