I only came across the imposition of Ashes a few years ago. Having been brought up in a Charismatic Evangelical church; these strange rites were rather alien to me. A phrase based on Genesis 3:19 is recited as the ashes are imposed in the shape of a cross on the believer’s forehead: “Remember, O mortal, that you are dust and to dust you shall return”.
The idea is that we are reminded of our mortality as we start the season of Lent.
I’ve recently re-read David Watsons book “Fear no Evil” which is an account of his struggle to understand God’s purpose for his life as he fought cancer and came to terms with his own mortality; a book that struck a chord with me as I also lost my own mother to cancer despite the prayers of many Christians. Those who prayed (both for David and my mother) asked specifically for healing, and this was withheld by God.
We find death difficult, either contemplating our own or that of our loved ones, we find it a challenge to say with Paul:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8: 28 [NIV]
Sometimes life seems to be full of solemnity; joy seems absent and our prayers seem unfulfilled. Death is painful, raw and dark. But, if we wait for a while, the darkness will be broken. Lent doesn't last. We have hope that however deep and hard the darkness is in our lives, it will ultimately be lifted and replaced by the light of Easter day – Christ is risen.
Guy Mowbray
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