“For you were made from dust, and to dust you shall return…” Genesis 3:19
Unlike a normal Wednesday at Jesuit College Preparatory School, the students, faculty, and guests all solemnly filed into the Terry Center to celebrate the Mass of Ash Wednesday on the 10th of February.
Father Leise SJ started the Mass by telling the audience how “It’s funny, you know. Ash Wednesday isn’t actually one of the Holy Days of Obligation.” And he wasn’t lying. Of all of the Holy Days of Obligation, (such as Easter, Christmas, Epiphany, the Ascension, or literally any Sunday in the entire year) Ash Wednesday isn’t one of them. However, there might be one key reason why churches are stuffed to the brim with people as if it was an obligation…
The Ashes
Just look at the picture on the right, doesn’t she just look so holy? “Yes I think that bearing the ashes on one’s forehead makes one look very devout and righteous,” proclaimed Evan Bausbacher ’17 after the Mass. Most people would agree with Bausbacher and acknowledge that a bearer of ashes receives some respectability and reverence from their outward display.
The ironic thing about this very public outward display of faith is that during the Mass we heard the verse of Matthew 6:6.
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
As you can see, there’s a contradiction in teachings. How can we claim to be private about our faith but still parade around with ashes on our heads, seemingly saying “I’m holier than thou”? Well, the ashes are actually supposed to serve as a reminder that we are from dust and to dust we shall return (see Gen 3:19). They function to remind us that we have sinned against God and show that we are full of grief, but do they humble us or do they make us proud?
When asked this question, Bobby Turner ’17 responded,”I often find myself walking throughout the day with my head down because I can literally feel everyone around me’s eyes staring at my ashes. I don’t know whether or not they know what it means, but it is somewhat embarrassing to bear for one day, especially because it is the physical manifestation of my shortcomings.”
In contrast to Turner’s opinion, Bausbacher stated, “I think that the ashes are really fun to wear around all day. It’s a physical symbol of my faith and lets all those around me know of my dedication. I know that I’m always extremely upset whenever my ashes wear off.”
Whatever your opinion of the ashes are, Ash Wednesday remains one of the most important days of the liturgical year, and allows us to reflect on our faith life, acknowledging our sins and reforming our behavior.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more coverage of prayer services, Masses, and Jesuit’s growth in faith!
