I really really want to title this Ashes Two because, in part, it is precisely that. When I first wrote about Ashes and Ash Wednesday, I had given a lot of thought and time to what we were going to do when we were offering ashes on the street corner.
Seven AM is way early for me. I had set up the table and put up a sign and let the early morning commuters know we were there if they wanted ashes. An Asian American woman crossed the street, passed us, and turned to ask if she could get ashes. When the three of us said yes, her face beamed as we reminded her of the day and reminded her that she is dust and to dust she would return. She thanked us as she went on her way, seemingly at peace.
Later, a mother had dropped just her children at a parochial school near our location. She slowed when she approached us and asked if she could get ashes. In her next breath, she told us that she knew her children would get ashes, but she wouldn’t have an opportunity. With those words, she revealed to us what a blessing this had been for her.
People walked by with their eyes glued to phone screens with a sidelong glance at the three of us with ashes on the table. Others picked up their pace or walked close and looked at the ground. Still, others looked, turned, and the words of blessing were shared. One woman turned to us and seemed to be trying to explain why she wanted the ashes. Her day was busy, projects, and she wasn’t getting home in time for services, and she needed the blessing. We told her no explanation was necessary as I marked her brow. There was a moment of quiet as if her day had just gotten better, and then she was crying. “Thank you for being here. You don’t know how much this means to me. Thank you.”
Others circled our table like they were making sure that we were safe. One man finally walked up to us and pointed at the pyx with ashes. We nodded. He smiled and pushed his stocking cap up. The sign of the cross was applied. He nodded, saying amen and gracias as he went into the day.
Maybe some wanted ashes to “get ashes.” The fact of the matter is they all received ashes and reminded us that we are dust and life together.
