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What's Up With The Ashes?

Really?

       No. This not instant coffee. These are ashes.

     That's what I heard from a young friend. So what is up with the ashes? This is a good day to discuss it. But what I will tell you is not what you might expect. I am not a big fan of the ashes. The imposition of ashes is a well established ritual within the Christian church, yet it is one which I have never fully embraced. True, it has gained great acceptance in mainline Protestant churches, however this does not change my opinion of its practice. Matter of fact, in my 66 years of life, I have not had ashes placed upon my forehead. And it was only while employed at St. Louis University I ever felt any pressure to do so. I continued the practice established at the church I serve (St. John's-Plum Hill) for 11 years before discontinuing the practice on Ash Wednesday, 2012. During those 11 years I placed a smudge of ash (noted in picture above) in the form of a cross on the outer hand at a place in proximity to where a nail may have pierced the skin of Jesus. Each participant was then reminded of their mortality; "from dust you were born, to dust you shall return. Go in peace (and repent.)"
     On the day I decided not to impose ashes, I was speaking with a colleague as she was preparing ashes for her service. As I shared with her my decision not to impose ashes, she reminded me of the freedom to exercise that choice as a clergyperson in the United Church of Christ. For those of you who do not know our history, she was referring to the "liberty of conscience" we exercise as clergy in the United Church of Christ. Yet, it was not solely a decision of personal conscience. These were the questions I posed:

1. Why impose ashes when it does not include a commitment to fasting?
2. Why condone such a public demonstration, when its intent is deeply private and personal between you and your God?
3. Why allow a ritual which blurs the line between humility and pride?
4. Why perform a ritual act which I believe Jesus did not condone?

     My decision to discontinue the practice of imposing ashes is largely based on my interpretation and view of the biblical text found in the Gospel of Matthew. I have always thought v.1 speaks directly to the German reformed roots of my upbringing; "beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them." Always let humility be your guide, as you consider an outward sign. More importantly, v.16-18 which I believe presupposes you are fasting which is the intent of the Lenten Season and Ash Wednesday in particular. In the event you are fasting, the text literally discourages one by drawing a distinction from disfiguring your face (NRSV)  as a means of drawing attention to yourself, to that of maintaining normal appearances (v.17 "But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.")

     [In the event you do not fast, there is no reason to even consider these arguments, as there is no reason for you to participate in the imposition of ashes in the first place.]

    While some interpret these verses from the point of view of an actor putting on a false or disfigured face (in other words feigning appearances), I maintain a disfigured face is one which bears a mark, spot or blemish. Some Old Testament traditions include groveling on the ground, thus creating an even more disheveled appearance. To this I believe Jesus was speaking. Why then would v.17 indicate specifically, you should "wash your face," if for no other reason than to keep your appearance normal. If the spirit is sincerely at work in your heart, your countenance (expression or face) should appear normal. Perhaps most important, Jesus implores to keep our actions private, so they (actions) may not be seen by others, "only by your Father." (v.18 paraphrase)

     Lest none of these arguments persuades you, remember this insightful comment of C.S. Lewis from Christianity and Culture, "a man is never so proud as when striking an attitude of humility."

      

     Pastor Don (written 2-7-2013, updated and revised 2-18-2015)

     

Welcome. I hope you get "In The Mix with DJ" as I post my take on events in the world of music, religion and pop culture. I hope to be able to tell you something good! Stay tuned to hear from me about my take on the imposition of ashes. This is Ash Wednesday, you know. DJ