From the Ashes to Resurrection

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis describes two types of pretending. He names one as unhelpful, even sinful – claiming intent without follow-through. The other, Lewis argues, can be beneficial, even essential to spiritual growth.

Lewis goes on to describe this second kind of pretending this way, “When you are not feeling particularly friendly but know you ought to be, the best thing you can do, very often, is to put on a friendly manner...Very often the only way to get a quality in reality is to start behaving as if you had it already.”

For some who may be new to Ash Wednesday, the observance may feel like the second form of “pretending” – belief encouraged by an action that is visible and real (in this case the imposition of ashes, which is the ceremonial placing of ashes on foreheads accompanied by words of remembrance). In taking this action, Christians are asked to acknowledge their sin, repent and turn their hearts toward the risen Christ. In reality, you can show repentance and embrace grace at any time, but what better time than now as we approach Easter.

Ash Wednesday was not part of my Baptist upbringing, nor is this practice directly commanded by Jesus. In the Anglican tradition to which I now belong, we often say of such observances, “All may, some should, but none must.” 

But why might you consider participating in Ash Wednesday?

First, while not directly instituted in Scripture, the practice of utilizing ashes as a sign of repentance or lament has biblical roots. We see this with Mordecai (Esther 4:1), Job and the Ninevites. And, Amos and Jeremiah instruct God’s people to take up this practice.

Second, the long history of this observance in Western Christianity makes it worthy of consideration, if not adoption. Established as early as the 11th century, it has been practiced for nearly 1,000 years.

Finally, Lewis’s view on the “right” sort of pretending applies to Ash Wednesday. Might participation in this act serve as a reminder of our true identity?

At Baylor, surrounded as we are by so much brilliance and signs of success, Ash Wednesday offers a moment for us as individuals to reflect: Are we in danger of relying on our accomplishments for salvation?

In many ways, Ash Wednesday could be seen as a day to stop pretending, to throw off any sense that our salvation is defined by what we do or who we are, rather than by an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. In acknowledging our deep need, we come to see that whatever our life’s ashes — broken promises, failed plans, sinful actions — salvation only comes into this world in the shape of the cross. Through Christ’s resurrection, ashes become sites of future beauty.

One final note: “All may” is no exaggeration in terms of participation in this observance. Unlike the Lord’s Supper in some traditions, the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday is open to all, regardless of faith background. 

Join the Baylor Family in observing the Lenten season through scripture reading and reflection in Truett Seminary’s Lenten Daily Devotional Guide.

Written by Rev. Matthew Aughtry

Assoc. Director of Baylor Chapel for Ministry in the Arts

Baylor University