This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday. I was at church at 6 pm to participate in this solemn service and receive ashes. "Remember, Oh man, that you are dust and unto dust you shall return". Mid service it became apparent that something was wrong. The priest and the deacon were quietly talking to each other, then the deacon left the altar and disappeared. You could hear cabinet doors opening and closing and when the deacon returned it was announced, the ashes could not be found. The ashes which are made from the burning of last years palms from Palm Sunday were missing. The service continued without the application of the ashes to the foreheads of the parishioners.The scripture readings dealt with not showing your Christianity by praying loudly in the street or giving money so all can see what you have done. Your rewards on earth are from man and your reward in heaven is for your "quiet" Christianity. Those who attended Ash Wednesday with me had no outward sign of their annual remembrance of the realization of where they came from and where they shall return. Quite appropriate.
1 comment:
And quite awkward.
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