Mark’s question on facebook was one of the first of my day: “It’s Ash Wednesday. How many of you are going to make an ash out of yourself today?”
I almost sent a witty retort; but his question ‘itched.’ While Rev. Mark Winter can be read and heard as slightly irreverent at times, his wordplay inevitably plumbs the depths of who we are and what we believe.
Since I’ve seldom missed leading, preaching, an Ash Wednesday Service, I’m used to being on both sides of the ashes. As one offering to impose them, I also receive them; however, in this vacation week, my role is one-sided. To be present at St. Philip’s (where I pastor) service tonight wouldn’t be vacation, so I could choose whether or not I wanted a ritualized smudge of my mortality someplace else. (Unfamiliar with this Ash Wednesday tradition? Here’s a helpful article.)
It may surprise you to know that sometimes, some of us who are clergy (who spend a lot of time at Church) actually avoid churches during our vacations. (That’s not the same as avoiding faith, much less avoiding God. I’m writing about that in a book about Jonah.) But, Mark’s question ‘itched.’
Being 50 years and working to get my body in a healthier condition, my muscles make me very aware of my mortality. So does the number of daily obituaries describing persons closer to my age. As for repentance, my theological education has given me a good handle on understanding that; and, I’ve never been one to sing Sinatra’s “My Way” as gospel. But, Mark’s question ‘itched.’
Google told me several of the local churches offering a Noon Service. Picking one where I hope for relative anonymity, I went to worship. And, to get ashed. The pastor’s sermon was timely for me; she didn’t stay in the biblical text as much as I would have liked, but I knew her references to Michael Slaughter’s Momentum for Life: Biblical Practices for Sustaining Physical Health, Personal Integrity, and Strategic Focus. Timely as she talked about the difference between living Ash Wednesday as a moment or as a point for momentum in revived faithfulness. Like Mark’s question, that point ‘itched.’
So, to scratch it, I had to get ashed. I need that outward and visible reminder of what I pray happens within me. Making an ash of myself? I hope that I do that daily – if it means that mortality can liberate me from concentrating on the mundane to living the mystery that is our faith.
Need to make an ash of yourself, too? If you’re near Round Rock/NW Austin, the Service at St. Philip’s begins at 7:00. If you’re somewhere else, then find a place filled with people of faith.
Mark, thanks.