For the first half of my life, I literally had no clue about Ash Wednesday. I had no exposure to it. All I knew about the day is that I would randomly see people with a cross of ashes marked on their forehead. Honestly, I thought Ash Wednesday was something Catholics did to repent of all the partying they did the day before on Fat Tuesday. It was a means of cheap grace, a way to make amends and be absolved for the previous day’s deliberate debauchery.
I gradually discerned that those caricatures weren’t all that accurate. It has only been in the past few years, however, that I’ve gained a clearer understanding and appreciation for Ash Wednesday. In fact, it has become a day that I’ve embraced and invite you to participate in.
Ash Wednesday is a day on the church calendar that marks the beginning of the season of Lent (in part two of this blog, which I will post next week, I will explain Lent for those of you, like me, who grew up with no understanding of it either). Ash Wednesday is a day set aside by Christians to remind us of our sinfulness –how we fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sounds exciting, huh?
The truth is we need Ash Wednesday. We need to set aside time to look our inadequacy square in the eyes. The bad news of our sinfulness prepares us to receive the good news of forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. The despair of death drives us to look toward Easter, when our Lord conquered the grave.
So today is Ash Wednesday, and Aldersgate, like many others, is hosting an Ash Wednesday service. We will gather from 7:00-8:00 p.m. to spend time reflecting on those places we fall short and ask God to have mercy. For those who wish to participate, we will impose ashes, smearing a small cross on foreheads as a physical, felt, and visible mark of repentance. And we will receive communion – symbols of bread and juice representing Jesus’ body and blood - that remind us of our forgiveness.
I realize that for some of you, this will be a new practice. It might seem strange or cause you to feel uncomfortable. You’ll be glad to know participating in Ash Wednesday is not a biblical requirement. You are no more or less Christian or holy if you take part or not. But I urge you to prayerfully consider coming. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I hope to see you tonight!
Ryan Smallwood
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