What is it about Ash Wednesday?

In conversation with a recent convert last week, he said, "There's never been a better time to come back to the Catholic Church!"  I asked what he meant.  "Since we made all those changes in the Mass last fall [implementing the new English translation of the Roman Missal], even the regular Catholics are lost and confused.  So if you've been away a long time and are worried that you won't know what you're doing, right now is the best chance you'll ever have of blending in."  

I think he may be onto something...

   Ash Wednesday   

Readings

What is it about Ash Wednesday?

My first Ash Wednesday as a parish priest, I went to make a visit at the hospital.  I was quite taken aback as everywhere I turned there was someone else—patient, visitor, doctor, nurse—asking me, “Father, have got any ashes?”  Like I just carry a pocketful of them around with me, ready to mark any ol’ forehead I meet!  I was even more startled when I returned to visit the hospital that Friday…and got hit with the same question.  “But I couldn’t make it to church, Father!”  “I know…but it’s Ash Wednesday…”

This is not simply a North Country phenomenon, either.  Every year, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral down in Manhattan, the line of people looking for ashes today winds its way right out the door and around the city block.

What is it about Ash Wednesday?

Over the years, I’ve discussed that very question with my brother priests more times than I count.  Why does today—like Christmas, like Easter—seem to bring Catholics right out of the woodwork?

The most common theory I hear is that it’s because we’re giving something out for free.  It may only be a dirty smudge on your forehead…but there’s no charge.  And who among us doesn’t like to get a bargain?  I guess I’ve always figured your motives were a little higher than that.

Maybe it’s because, deep down, we know we need a regular reminder of our mortality.  Remember—the ashes so poignantly tell us—that you were made from the dust of the earth, and to that earth, to dust, you will most certainly one day return.

Maybe it’s because this conspicuous sign is such a distinctive and visible reminder of our Catholic faith.  (Seems every year that some Catholic politician gets called out for wearing ashes while on the job, doesn’t it?)  This would be a rather ironic reason, though, since Jesus just warned us in the gospel not to perform our religious duties for others to see, that we might then win their praise.   The only attention we should be seeking is that of our Father in heaven.

What is it about Ash Wednesday?

Discussing this very question last night, I came up with my own new theory.  Since ashes and Ash Wednesday are all about sin, maybe—just maybe—this is the day that all those whose lifestyle and values don’t quite jive with those of the Church, those who take issue with her teachings, those who don’t regularly get here to Mass…maybe because today is so clearly for sinners, this is the day that all of us sinners really feel like we belong here.  This is our day!  Today, we're right at home.

My friends, if this is what it comes down to, then I’m more than willing to carry around a pocketful of ashes with me at all times, smearing foreheads whenever and wherever necessary!

We must remember that the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and all the spiritual treasures of the Church—these are not rewards reserved for the righteous, but healing medicine for our sin-sick souls.  Just as we don’t restrict our sinning to one day a year, neither does God restrict his mercy to Ash Wednesday.  This is where sinners belong not just one day, but all 366 days a year.  (Don’t forget it’s a leap year!)

Like St. Paul, I come before you on this Ash Wednesday as an ambassador for Christ, and I appeal to you: Be reconciled to God!  Now, indeed is a very acceptable time!  Now is the day of salvation!  But every day, in fact, can be a day of salvation, if we only turn our hearts back to God.