As an aside, it’s also the one day of the year when we Catholics are easily identifiable. Think about it: no one usually goes around wearing a sign on their back that says, “Hi, I’m Catholic!”
In your workplace, did you ever have the experience on Ash Wednesday when one of your co-workers walked by with ashes on his forehead, and you thought to yourself, “Hmmm….I didn’t know Jim was Catholic! Cool!” It’s like finding out who else belongs to the family.
This is a beautiful thing!
I always feel such a deep connection with others who walk by with their ashes, even if I don’t personally know them. Ashes, Holy water, palms, candles and other examples serve legitimate liturgical purposes and serve as elements which enhance individual and communal prayer. These are sacramentals. But of all of these, ashes offer a visible sign.
When I bump into anyone on Ash Wednesday who has the smudge on their forehead, I think I’ll give them a knowing smile and a wink, as if to say, “You’re my sister or my brother in faith.”
Let's remember to pray for those Christians in other countries who, by receiving this visible sign today, will put themselves in direct danger--simply by outwardly living their faith. And they do so with heroic courage and grace.
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
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