Resolving Conflicted Messages

 HOMILY, ST. PAUL’S, FOLEY – ASH WEDNESDAY, YEAR B

FEBRUARY 17, 2021

 

TEXT:                        MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-21

 

 

            Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, rolls around each year.

 

            It has ancient roots. In the earliest days of the church, it was the time set aside for the final preparations of those about to be baptized at the Easter vigil six weeks later.  It was also a time for those who had sinned egregiously to go through practices of penance in order to be accepted back at communion.

 

            So, we come together on this day – to turn back toward God, to rend our hearts and not our garments.

 

            But, for all my years of ordained ministry, this day has been a day of conflicting messages.  I suspect you have noted the conflicting messages, too.  It is as simple as this:

 

            From the gospel lesson today, Jesus says, "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

 

            Yet, each year we leave this service, with the ashes of the cross, marking foreheads.  Each person we encounter can see plainly that we have been to church. Perhaps unintentionally, it is a public sign of what should be private piety.  Each year, I see public figures on the news so marked.  That marking contrasts with the gospel lesson and our Lord’s own words.

 

            Bishop Steven Miller, retired bishop of Milwaukee, now lives in Defuniak Springs, Florida.  He says that he always encouraged his clergy to provide water and washcloths at the back of the churches so that parishioners could clean the signs of penance, while continuing the private acts of turning back toward God.

 

            In a few moments, you will be invited to come forward.  I will pronounce the Ash Wednesday sentence – “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return – and make the sign of the cross for you. Then you will be given the opportunity to take a small vial of ashes from a tray.

 

            Perhaps you will choose to impose the ashes on your forehead.  If you do, fine.  However, I would suggest that you remove them before going into public.

 

            But hold on to that small vial of ashes. Keep them on your dresser or some other piece of furniture in your home.  Let them be a visible but private reminder during these 40 days and 40 nights of your pledge to turn once again the source of life and forgiveness.