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Today is Ash Wednesday, Dies Cinerum - the day of ashes. It is a day that also has the potential for embarrassment, judgment, and ridicule. But we are men. We must rise above it.
What does this mean: embarrassment, judgment, and ridicule? Perhaps at no other point in our journey through the liturgical calendar year do we face these obstacles so seemingly head on. From Christmas to Easter and most all beautiful feast days and celebrations, we go about excited, happy, and very "normal" in our everyday lives. No one gives us a second look - not a second thought. We wear those infamous Christmas sweaters during the holiday season and choose a brand new outfit to debut on the morning of Easter Sunday for the whole congregation to gaze upon and marvel at.
Today, should you carry the mark of Ash Wednesday for the duration, obstacles are bound to loom. Forget the second glances - they are replaced with third, fourth, fifth, to ad nauseum glances and second thoughts become outright questions or ridicule. Paul's words, "...for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus," ring louder today than at any other moment. For when we choose to keep those ashes in plain view on our foreheads, we make the outward commitment to show Christ to the masses.
It is a massive tool.
Be ready for massive repercussions.
We must meet the potential repercussions head on and, as Peter implores us, "Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are." Less than six full hours since the imposition of the ashes, I have been mocked, gawked at, laughed at, and even cursed at. This is what we face should we take this leap of faith. Yet through it all, there is good - when the burden of ridicule seems to much to carry and a wetnap across the forehead looks as good as lemonade on a hot summer's day - you get a thumb's up, a hug, or a "Where did you get your ashes today?" When we choose to carry a physical and very visible mark of Christ on our body for one day, even in the most desolate moments, we can find reprieve through our faith and the faith of others.
There is no doubt that Ash Wednesday has the potential to be tough. Self-examination and repentance by prayer, fasting, and self-denial is no cake walk. Lent is meant to be hard and our choice to display the ashes shows the world an visible sign of our invisible imperfections. Lent is a beautiful paradox - troubling yet eternally satisfying. And, as Christ was tempted for forty days, so we also face off against our damnable egos, self-interests, and, at times, overwhelming temptations. Is it possible we will stumble? Yes. But if we take no risk and never step out of our comfort zone, there will be no result and no spiritual rewards or growth. If we choose not drive headlong into this Lenten season then Holy Week and Easter looses its full power and holiness. Our denial of this world for forty days is His gain. In our denial, we find joy - the joy that is promised us in John's gospel. So today we take the ashes and we will be called on that decision at some point today. Do we respond to the negatives and the questioning with joy or as frustrated and defensive constipated Christians. The choice is yours.
Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.
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