Interviewed by Emmanuel F. Sanosi
Wednesday, February 6, was Ash Wednesday. On this day Christians are reminded, as they are signed with ash, that they are dust and unto dust they shall return. The period between Christmas and Lent ranges from four to nine Sundays. This year it is the shortest with only four Sundays. It will be another 200 years before this happens again. Rev Fr George Ngalim, Parish Priest of All Saints in Bayelle explains the importance of Ash Wednesday in this brief interview:
Father, you are just from signing Christians with ash to remind them that they are dust and unto they shall return. Besides this reminder, what significance do ashes have in the spiritual life of Christians?
The ashes do not simply remind us of our eventual returning to dust. They also involve us in the act of repentance. While the priest is signing the Christians with the ash other words the priest uses are; "Turn away from your sin and believe the Gospel. So, you see that the Christian is actually being called upon to change from his sinful ways and live according to the teachings of the Gospel.
Is there a scriptural basis for ashes on this particular Wednesday?
Indeed, there is. In the Old Testament we find the tradition of using ashes particularly as a call for repentance. In Jeremiah 6:26 we hear the Prophet make this call; "O daughter of my people, gird on sackcloth, roll in the ashes". Daniel also intercedes for Israel in Chapter 9 verse 3 by praying; "I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer with fasting, sackcloth and ashes," and when Jonah preached in Nineveh and "the news reached the King of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on ashes. There are many scriptural references to ashes.
Why did the Church choose Wednesday and not another day?
History records that at the beginning of the 11th century it was customary for all the faithful to take part in a ceremony on the Wednesday before Lent that included the imposition of ashes. Pope Urban II, towards the end of the century, called for the general use of the ashes on the Wednesday before Lent. This day would later on be known as Ash Wednesday. Lent is actually a period of spiritual battle and you just said the ashes are a call for repentance.
Where is the connection between ashes and battle?
The ashes on Ash Wednesday also signify a way of preparing for a spiritual battle and self discipline during the season of Lent. The connection can also be seen in the same way that the Maccabees prepared for battle using ashes; "That day they fasted and wore sackcloth, they sprinkled ashes on their heads and tore their clothes." (1 Mc 3:47)
Like Holy Water, could ashes also be considered in the Church like a sacramental?
A sacramental is a symbol that reminds us of something and the symbolism should not end at the facial value. It goes beyond that. The most important thing is what the ashes signify, not just the artificial aspect of it but the deeper meaning of signing you with the ashes.
Father, from what you say the importance of the ashes goes quite deep, yet the Church has not instituted it as one of the Sacraments. How is that?
Sacramental Theology indicates that the Sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and the Church is custodian of those sacraments. As custodian the Church cannot add or subtract from what Christ instituted. If it was possible, then we could, perhaps, already have 20 or more sacraments which would no longer be what Christ left for His Church. The Church has no authority on that for only Christ does and He would have included it if He deemed it so. As important as the ash may be on this day, it cannot supersede any of the sacraments nor can it be added as one.
In a parish or church where there is only one priest, who signs the priest with the ash on this day, or can the priest sign himself?
In most cases there is always a religious such as a Reverend Sister or Brother who can sign the priest with the ash. But if there is none at all, the priest will have to go to some other place for another priest to sign him with the ash, since he cannot sign himself. It is like confession where a priest cannot self-absolve but have his confessor in another priest. He must seek another priest wherever that may be.
What message do you have for Christians as they go into the season of Lent?
The message is that Christians should remember we are starting a battle that will hasten things to please God. This battle is not with guns and bombs, but with self discipline by fasting when possible, refraining from certain human comforts such as favourite habits and foods that are considered to each individual as a treat. And most importantly, engage in good and charitable acts.
Hi Fr Greoge, not a comment but end of year greeting. Fr how is live? and the work of god, i hope every thing is moving on smothly. I wish you and all the christians of Bayelle church Nkwen a properous 2010. May God Bless
Posted by: Frederick nyongo | December 31, 2009 at 04:47 AM