ASHES, WATER, AND A CROSS

Psa. 51:1-17

Once again we have come to the season of Lent, and to the day of Ash Wednesday which begins the season. Ash Wednesday is a powerful symbolic service reminding us of our mortality, and of our tendency to move away from, rather than toward, God. Psalm 51 is one of the common readings for Ash Wednesday, one which sets the tone for the Lenten season very well, with its tone of absolute penitence. It expresses David’s brokenness over his sin, after the convicting words of Nathan the prophet had just been spoken to him. Fasting was also a part of the story, as David fasted after he was told that the child born of his relationship with Bathsheba would die.

Ashes are the most easily recognizable symbol of this day. They are a reminder of our utter dependence upon God. We were created in the beginning from the dust, and after death and decomposition, our bodies will once again return to dust. This is the stark but simple reminder that we are given each year as the season of Lent begins. It is a reminder not only of our mortality, but of our sinfulness before God. We are reminded that even when our motives are pure, we still have that inclination within that would turn us away from God’s grace and mercy. The ashes are important as a symbol to remind us who (and whose) we are. When our hearts turn away, it is usually because we have forgotten who we are before a holy God, and pride has entered to convince us that we are something when in reality we are nothing. The ashes are a reminder to bring us back down to earth, and to return to God in humility and penitence.

The imposition of the ashes is done in a variety of ways, all of which are acceptable. There is no “right way” to apply them. They can be imposed simply in their dry form; but this often presents problems of not adhering, either to the finger, or to the person’s forehead. Some mix a little bit of water to make a light paste, and dip the finger into the paste and apply it. But I have found that the tradition of burning the leaves from the previous Palm Sunday presents a problem with this method. The paste that is formed by the palm leaves is very thick and unyielding in form, making it difficult to use. Still another method involves having some water present, and dipping a finger first in the water, then the ashes. You may not have realized that so much forethought goes into preparation of the elements for this service.

I prefer the last method myself, because it seems to make for a more consistent mark from beginning to end. Also, I have come to prefer having the baptismal font present for this service, and using it to contain the water used in the imposition of the ashes. The symbolism of the washing of the waters of baptism fits very well with the imposition of the ashes, particularly when coupled with David’s remarks about being “washed thoroughly from my iniquity.” It is through baptism that we are incorporated into God’s covenant community, a fellowship of the redeemed. The symbolism of baptism is that of cleansing, of renewal of the heart and soul before God, a powerful symbol of the regenerating grace of God. It goes much deeper than simply the cleansing from past sins, but is symbolic of the “circumcised heart” that is a part of God’s “new creation.” David recognizes this as he cries for God to “create in me a clean heart” and

renew a steadfast spirit within me.” The presence of the font is a strong reminder to us that we have been “baptized into Christ.” Its use as we impose the ashes is a reminder that encourages us to seek a renewal of God’s cleansing grace during this season of Lent.

The imposition of the ashes is typically done in the shape of a cross, a very potent symbol that speaks to us in a variety of ways. It is a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial death for us, and that through our baptism we have identified with that death, having died to self and sin and having been raised with Him in baptism. It is a symbol of the power of the resurrection, being raised to new life, a renewal in the image of Christ which we seek as we move through the season of Lent toward the Easter celebration. It is a symbol of the shed blood, the flowing fountain by which our redemption and pardon is purchased. It is the blood of Christ which is the basis of our cleansing, washing deeper than the stain has gone. It is the blood of Christ which, as we “walk in the light,” will “cleanse us from all sin.”

As we come this day and participate once again in this symbolic ritual, let us come, not simply going through the motions, repeating some sort of ritualistic, meaningless repetition. But let us come in awareness of the depth of meaning of the symbols we have before us; and let us come in true repentance and humility, seeking once again for these 40 days the grace of God for the renewal of our spirits.