Remember you are but dust, and to dust you shall return.
One of the questions I often get asked is what is the point? What is the point of all these signs and symbols we use in church? Surely they are a bit unnecessary in our modern world? Lots of churches do things differently, so why is it that we maintain rituals, customs and traditions?
The answer isn’t a simple one: On the one hand we observe certain traditions because they link us to the past. On the other we may do them because they are beautiful, and we seek to offer God the very best. Liturgy unites us with the church and it is our offering to God in great humility and thanks.
But today, as ashes are imposed, we are given a vital sign of our humanity. We impose ashes, not because it’s what we have always done, not because it is pretty, but because it has significant meaning to us and our lives. As we are ashed, we are marked with our own death. We are reminded to consider it and we are asked look in that figurative mirror and explore our own consciousness. This is the chance to put some things in order, before it’s too late.
Ash Wednesday is a day when we should take seriously the process of admitting our mistakes and considering our sins. This is never easy and it can cause pain. But without this exploration we can never truly face God and be reconciled to him.
You have heard me speak of this reconciliation before. It is the at very heart of our faith. We usually speak of the love we are called too, but today, on Ash Wednesday, I want each and every one of us to consider our mistakes, our sinful behaviours, and make a promise to actively turn to God and reconcile these things.
Reconciliation is an active process. You can’t just sit back and let it happen around you or to you. You have to participate. Begin by making some time to consider carefully those things in your life which are problematic. Examine yourself and consider where sin lies. Are you living with the burden of sinful behaviours? Are you unsure if something is sin or not? Please ask for help, don’t be ashamed and understand that we are all sinful and we are all called to be reconciled.
But before we can be reconciled, we must repent. Repentance is, in my experience, the easy part. It is the identification of sin, the admittance of sin, that challenges people more. Once it is admitted and embraced, the desire to move on is often a huge motivator.
So find some time to remove yourself from the public sphere, and remove yourself from your own self-interest; use the lens of righteousness and piety, explore your soul and seek God-centred actions, and words, that bring reconciliation into the world:
As ashes are imposed on us we are reminded that one day, it will all be too late. One day, we will wake up as mortals for the last time. When that day comes, I pray that each and every one of us is in a state of grace, ready to meet Our Lord and take our place alongside him.
This Lent there are many opportunities to make things right in your soul.
Take advantage of the extra liturgy on offer, study with others during Lent at our Lent Group. Make an effort to attend Mass during the week. Spend some time fasting and focussing on God. Meditate and pray. If you have not made your confession please consider it, and please seek to live your life in grace.
Please take time to really think about your life and your behaviours and the impact they have on other people. Think about the last time you hurt someone with something you said, wrote or did. How can you make that right? How can you meet God when these things are in your consciousness?
Forgiveness is freely given, but reconciliation is something we have to actively seek. Please ask for help if you find this challenging.
As a parish we are very lucky to have 2 priests available for counsel and confession. Please do use us. Fr John and I would like nothing more that to see us all fulfill our Christian destiny and take our places in heaven.
Remember you are but dust, and to dust you shall return.