Dirty Faces

Ash Wednesday

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

St. Matthias

February 26, 2020

It is indeed a strange thing we do this day.  You come to Church and leave with a dirty forehead.  Normally people would point and make rather snide comments to their friends – except that today it is all OK.  Today is the only day when it is socially acceptable to have a dirty face.  Ash Wednesday is one of those REALLY OLD religious days.  It goes back to the first centuries and was a way that you got admitted OR re-admitted to the Church.  If you were a new convert, Ash Wednesday began your final period of preparation for Baptism on Easter Sunday morning.  On the other hand, IF you were a notorious sinner who had been excommunicated for all your notorious sins – well you came to the Ash Wednesday liturgy – confessed your sins – were covered in sack cloth and ashes – and then you would crawl through the streets begging forgiveness for your most grievous sins and wickednesses. 

For the rest of us normal sinners – we come to this Ash Wednesday and mark the beginning of Lent – that time when we give up something we REALLY didn’t like in the first place.  For years now I have given up Cocaine and Brussel Sprouts for Lent.  But Phyllis says it doesn’t count.  I’ve never actually used Cocaine so HOW can I give it up.  I don’t like the taste of Brussel Sprouts so WHATS to give up.  I think it still qualifies though.  But the whole idea is to get rid of something in your life to make room for something spiritual. 

           I talked with our daughter, Stefanie, yesterday on her way home from work and we remembered the time she gave up smiling for Lent.  She must have been about 6 or 7 years old and she came into my study with the awfullest look on her face.  It was a cross between the worst frown you have ever seen and a really painful grimace.  I was of course intrigued – and asked her why she wore this absolutely horrid look.  She replied that for Lent she was being religious and couldn’t smile.  Ahhh but here was a challenge.  Could I get my daughter to smile in Lent?

           Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them…!”  Today is not about a dirty forehead.  If that’s all you want – I’ll give you one, but it won’t necessarily help.  Rather we come here today to remember that we are loved.  That’s right – the meaning of Ash Wednesday is love and you shouldn’t look dismal like the hypocrites and disfigure your faces.  Instead, wash your face and find someone to love.  We come here this day and observe Ash Wednesday to remember that we are forgiven.  Lent is about repentance because God loves us so much that there is nothing we can do that God won’t forgive.  Let me say that again, Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent are about remembering that there is nothing we can do THAT God won’t forgive because we are loved.  The mark on your forehead is a reminder that we are FORGIVEN, we are SAVED, we are LOVED.

           It IS INDEED a strange thing we do today.  It is a strange way to share some love.  But it is a lot better than screwing your face into a HORRID frown.  It’s even better than giving stuff up.  Take on something spiritual in our life – and if you need to give up something to make a little room – do it.  The countdown has begun.  In just 40 more days plus 6 Sundays – Jesus will rise again.  We will experience Resurrection.  By the way, Stefanie’s frown lasted about 2 minutes, then we both burst out laughing.  If you need a smile in Lent – I’ve got one for you.  Better yet, give up frowning during Lent.  It’s a great way to say I love you!.  AMEN.