Today, we receive the imposition of ashes in the Mass. Why? Have you ever wondered about the reason for the use of ashes? The most particular reason relates to the traditional form of the admonition spoken by the priest when the ashes are applied: "Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return". In other words: remember, you are going to die someday.
I have performed a number of funerals since being ordained as
a priest in the Catholic Church, and I always am concerned for the
family and loved ones of the deceased. The only way to heal after a
great loss is through dealing with the loss; we cannot heal if we deny
that the person has died. Yet, much of our modern behavior regarding
death seems to try to run against that idea. We keep death in hospitals
(rarely does anyone die at home unless it is from an accident); we
decorate the deceased with make-up to try to make them look like they are alive
and just sleeping; we are not accustomed to death.
Thinking about our mortality may seem like an unpleasant thing, but it is truly good for us. No, we should not be constantly frightened about dying -- that can be debilitating. We should, however, realize that this life will end someday. We will all have to appear before the Judgment seat of Christ to give account for our lives. If we keep that perspective in our minds, then it will properly help us to make wise decisions. Yet, let us admit it: who really enjoys thinking about death and Judgment Day?
When we compare our spirituality with that of our forefathers of centuries ago, we are sissies (and not just a little bit). The intense and rigorous spirituality of past generations makes us look like we are no different than the heathens in some areas! We do not like to hear about mortality and although we seem to have no problem with watching death and mayhem in movies and video games, we do not want to be told that we ourselves are going to die (ever!). The Latin phrase "momento mori" is related directly to this. It means "remember that you are mortal". That was a common expression in the medieval period, but not as much today. It would not be a bad thing to tell ourselves this regularly (maybe print it on a coffee mug!).
The other way to think about the ashes is a fairly obvious application of what is being said above. We should not just be thinking about our death, but also about the life we live up to the time of that death (whenever that occurs). Consider it this way: if we are all going to die someday, and we are also going to have to stand before the Judgment of God, then that means that every action, every decision that we make, every choice that we approve of--it all matters. There is nothing about which we can say "it doesn't matter" because it all plays a part in our eternal standing.
Is that how you think of what you do? Do you slip occasionally into the mode of "this is just a little sin, so it's no big deal"? This is what the ashes today help to remind us to avoid. "Remember, what you do matters." I hope that all of you are able to attend an Ash Wednesday Mass and receive the ashes (you do not need to be Catholic to receive them), and when you do, let that idea sink deeply into your heart. "Being here in Mass matters; how I treat others matters; what I say to my family matters; how generous I am in giving to the Church matters; etc."
I do not want us to get morbid; certainly not. I do, however, want us to be realistic. To go through life with the idea of "I'm going to live forever" is not only the habit of 18 year-olds; I have seen this attitude in people of all ages. Instead (not just on Ash Wednesday, but every day of the year) we should have the frame of mind that asks regarding every action "how will this impact my eternal destiny?" And today is a wonderful means to help us keep that in heart and mind. So, I will say it again: Remember, you are mortal.
