Ashes
Every year, in mid to late winter, a day arrives
when we see a large number of people who look like they need their faces
washed. That day, of course is Ash Wednesday which marks the
beginning of the season of Lent. The distribution of ashes on Ash
Wednesday replaces the penitential rite at the beginning of mass.
Instead of merely “calling to mind our sins,” we receive a very
public reminder of our sinfulness and mortality. The minister says
“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel,” or, Remember
that you are dust and to dust you will return.”
It wasn’t until 1091 AD
that Pope Urban II instituted the first Ash Wednesday. Prior to
that, ashes were only worn by public sinners and represented their
complete dependence on the mercy of God. Pope Urban recognized
that we are all sinners and we have been rubbing on ashes ever since.
Ever wonder what happens to those palm branches
left over from last Holy Week? They’ve been recycled. They
have been burned into ash, stuffed in bags or cans and now await the
chance to be rubbed on your head on Ash Wednesday. The symbol of
Christ’s glory has become the symbol of our sin. In receiving
ashes, we’ve thrown ourselves into the “recycling bin” of Lent,
ready for renewal at Easter.
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