Homily for Ash Wednesday
Fr. Albert
St. Peter’s, New Iberia
Be Mine. Normally, candy hearts and cards with that message or others like is are exchanged on this day, February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Every 70 years or so, however, we find ourselves with a bit of a conflict as Ash Wednesday happens to land on the day typically marked by chocolates, fine dining, and a celebration of romantic love. For Catholics, this creates a rather stark contrast as we gather for a different kind of marking.
And yet, it’s message is not so foreign to us. Be Mine. When we come forward to be marked with dusts and ashes, the Lord is saying that very phrase to us: be mine. But unlike the temporary thrill of a fun date or an exchange of gifts, this offer speaks deeply to the heart of what it means to be a human being. “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” The world does not understand how such a stark reminder can be an expression of love. Christians are meant to be a people of hope, joy, and charity, are they not? Don’t we have good news for the word? They are puzzled and often challenge us saying “how is talking about death and sin good news?”
Because sin is real, whether we like it or not. No amount of candy or cards will erase the fact that the people who love you do not love as they should. It will not protect you from the fact that those same lovers will hurt you and may in fact do the most harm of anyone in your life. This is why the Lord’s offer of love does not come in the form of affection, romance, or material gifts. No, the Lord’s offer of love, his divine request of “be mine,” begins with a rather off-putting word, “repent.” Yes, “repent and believe in the Gospel” is almost the first thing that Jesus says in the Gospel of Mark.
But this is true love, because God wants you to be his in a way that no human being ever could. He smears ashes onto your head, claiming not just your loyalty and affection, but your very soul… and not just your soul, but even your sins. Yes, Jesus Christ claims your sins and that he why he died on the cross. Today we begin the journey towards that cross, and so we start it with a reminder of the claim that started it all: “you are mine, and I will die for your sins to show you.”
Like romantic love, divine love has to affect our lives to be real. Rather than covering over our faults, this loving gaze shines a light upon them, not to shame us, but to show us that they can be healed. All is ultimately dependent upon God’s grace and the redemption of the cross, but God’s love is such that he wants us to actually participate in this marvelous love story. We are not just passive receivers, but actors in the dramatic romance of God’s absurd love for humanity. And here in the Gospel Jesus tells us how to play our part: Almsgiving. Prayer. Fasting.
You are dust, and to dust you shall return. But, if you accept this offer of love, that dust will be remade. Like an engagement, this offer claims you for life. Unlike engagement, it goes on even to eternity. Like an engagement, this offer leaves a visible sign. The dust upon your forehead is just a symbol – it has no power by itself. The real mark is upon your soul and in the life you live. So, accept the valentine of God and make it real: Give to those in need. Pray always, but especially in union with the whole Church at Mass. Fast to remind your body that you were made for more than chocolate, wine, and steak.
Do this, and your Father will repay you. He gazes upon you with the love that no man or woman could ever match and says with all his divine power “be mine.” And, by his grace, you will be.
