Minoru Yamasaki thinks big. As one of the most renowned architects, he created one of America’s most significant symbols and architectural wonders. It would soar up to 1,353 feet with 110 stories. From its observation decks, it was possible to see 45 miles in every direction. It had about 10,000,000 square feet of working space for nearly 50,000 people. Yamasaki’s work of genius would be inaugurated on April 4, 1973, in New York. From this point on, it was internationally known as the World Trade Center. Yamasaki insisted that the World Trade Center “had a bigger purpose than just to provide room for tenants…[it] is a living symbol of man’s dedication to world peace…beyond the compelling need to make this a monument to world peace, the World Trade Center should, because of its importance, become a representation of man’s belief in humanity, his need for individual dignity, his belief in the cooperation of men, and through cooperation, his ability to find greatness.” Some things were made to last forever. For many, the World Trade Center fell into this category until September 11, 2001.

​The world saw the massive Twin Towers crumble into a heap of ash and soot that covered everything in lower Manhattan. Time magazine was the first to call September 11 Ash Tuesday. The term fits the description of what happened. Everything around where the World Trade Center once stood seemed to be reduced to nothing but ashes. The notion of Ash Tuesday undoubtedly is an image borrowed from Ash Wednesday or the day that marks the beginning of Lent in preparation for Easter. On this day, the priest traces on our foreheads the sign of the cross with ashes and says: “Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust, you shall return.” Why does the Church smear ashes on our foreheads to begin Lent?

​It’s God’s reminder of what we are. He argues this point rather emphatically in scripture. “ For out of the earth you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19) In the Psalter, we read, “For he [God] knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Ps 103:14). The book of Ecclesiastes says nearly the same,  “All are from the dust and all turn to dust again.”(3:20) How can we boast about who we are or what we may have if we are only dust? Dust is an image of the commonplace. There is always too much of it. One speck of it is as good as the next. There’s nothing special about it. Our humble origin keeps us in check. We are dusts. How could we ever brag about anything?

​There’s another reason for the ash that marks our foreheads, which many of us don’t like. It’s God’s way of saying we are sinners. Ash symbolizes our moral weakness. It’s simple to understand why. Dust or ash is easily stirred, blown about, and stepped on. Our sins blow us like dust or ash in all directions except the right one: towards God. At the same time, our ashes mean repentance. It’s a way of saying to God and neighbor, “I’m sorry.” Ash Wednesday sets a clear agenda for living the forty days of Lent as penitents.

​A good penitent prays. Prayer is the most crucial activity of Lent. If our prayer life has been slipping lately because of our job or other activities, Lent is the perfect time to improve the quality of our prayer. We need to make the time to speak to God and to listen to him. Look for a place to be alone with God. Mediate often on the eternal truths: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Find out in what direction your life is going. If you’re on the right road, stay on it. If you have taken a wrong turn in life, change directions today. Don’t wait. Now is the time of salvation. This is the message of Lent.

A good penitent nourishes his prayer with fasting. The idea of fasting scares many people, especially Americans, who consume more food than any other nation. St. Augustine of Hippo, who had a turbulent youth, sees fasting as a sweet, bitter medicine: “No one can doubt… that fasting is profitable; for when a man imposes the burden of fasting, he shows that he wants what he is asking for. That is why ‘prayer is good when accompanied by fasting’(Tob.12:8)”. However, some would argue that fasting is beyond the possibility of many because of the physical intensity of their work or lifestyle. Is there any way to gain the spiritual benefits of fasting without fasting? St. John Chrysostom says yes. How? “By enjoying food while having no taste for sin. This is a far better kind of fasting and easier as well.” We can all do this type of fasting.

A good penitent always joins his prayer and fasting to almsgiving. Almsgiving is more than writing a check for people in need. It requires us to practice fraternal charity by forgiving others and rooting out hatred in our hearts. Almsgiving proves our charity is actual by works of mercy.

Ash Wednesday sets a demanding agenda for Lent. True. But the benefits outweigh the sacrifices when considering our future reward: the resurrection.

With much love and appreciation,
Fr. Andrew McNair
Pastor
St. Jospehine Bakhita Mission Parish

(Thumbnail image from Freepik.com)