They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. (Matthew23v5)
As spring approaches, so too does the season of Lent—those forty days of fasting and reflection during which people of faith are called upon to prepare their hearts and minds for the horrors of Holy Week, and the joyous good news of Easter.
Next week there shall be innumerable people going about with ashen crosses marked on their foreheads, pious signs of mortality and self-denial to mark the start of a holy Lent. And yet, there is a dramatic contradiction with this practice and the admonitions of Jesus himself, who warned against showy acts of piety.
And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. (Matthew 6v16).
Indeed, this is the very appointed text to read at the Ash Wednesday service! Many a worshipper wonders when to wash off the cross marked on the forehead, if ever.
The contradiction is made more apparent by the rising trend of young and adventurous pastors taking the branding practice to the streets—smearing ashen crosses at public places such as coffee houses, supermarkets, commuter stations and post offices. See for example: http://www.ministrymatters.com/worship/article/entry/3566/taking-ash-wednesday-public?utm_source=NES+News+for+January+30th%2C+2013&utm_campaign=Jan+%2C+30%2C+2013&utm_medium=email#axzz2K2NqIemf
In some ways, I find this idea of taking Ash Wednesday public to be attractive—a way of crossing barriers that keep people away from faith, worship, and community. In other ways, I wonder if such a practice is altogether a wise idea given the potent symbolism behind the ashen cross. As Mr. McLuhan has taught us, the media is the message.
Remember you dust, and to dust you shall return.
The cross of ashes is a morbid reminder of our mortality—our rebellion against God and our futile sin of self sufficiency and independence. Despite all our good deeds and intentions, our vitamins and gym memberships, our Botox and vaccinations, we all will die.
The good news, of course, is the promise of resurrection, new life and abundance in Jesus’ victory over death. But this promise is buried in the harsh symbolism of the ashes and cross. A tomb indeed.
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6.17-18)
Perhaps the most genuine show of Lenten piety on Ash Wednesday would be to take a different symbol public—and wear it everywhere one goes: a smile.
A smile is human and divine, attractive and contagious, and does more to spread the good news of faith, hope and love than any ashes.
I remain sincerely yours,
S.H.