Ash Wednesday Reimagined

Ash Wednesday, 2024

Pastors always have to give a sermon. It’s part of being a preacher: preaching, it’s in the title. And they work hard to come up with something fresh and inspirational, especially on the big days. Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Ash Wednesday.

It’s hard, I’m sure, particularly when the point of a high holy day is so obvious, so specific as Ash Wednesday. Here it is: “We are all mortal. Stew on that.”

The imposition of ashes marks the beginning of Lent. In that we find the ultimate irony. Ashes mean the opposite of beginnings. They are the ultimate ending.

Say you’re camping with a group of friends. A big fire throws the light and warms the circle. Kids are making smores and the gooey marshmallow and chocolate has everyone full of sugar induced joy. Everything is great. It’s just fun and magic.

Then the laws of nature interrupt the party. The obvious, inevitable conclusion changes the fire. Where once it was sparks flying up into the night, ultimately it dies and becomes ash. Just like us.

And there is the message of Ash Wednesday. We are mortal. We come from ashes, and to ashes we will return. So, contemplate your mortality.

But this year, let’s try something a little different. Let’s not meditate on our mortality at all. Let’s simply accept it and move on.

Instead, let’s contemplate our life.

First, nothing is promised. It can end in the blink of an eye, or it can drag on in misery for a hundred years.

Second, it’s all you’ve got. Live so that the brief moment before that proverbial eye blinks is full of wonder. And if you are blessed with a long life, make it run behind you, trying to catch up to the love and grace and mercy that you leave in your wake as you chase after God.

All life still may seem too short. That’s why I’m glad you are all a part of mine.