Each year on Ash Wednesday, our pews are more full than any given Sunday. Studies show that while 15% of adults under 45 attend Mass weekly, a whopping 50% of that same group will receive ashes on the first day of Lent. That leads me to wonder: why?!
What's so special about Ash Wednesday that it commands our attention? Adults who are religiously inactive the rest of the year seem to make it a point to receive ashes. Because of this, our churches swell in attendance all day long. We cannot keep people away if we tried.
Some have speculated that people return out of a sense of subconscious Catholic identity: it was ingrained in them as children, so they reenact that spiritual experience as adults. Others believe it is a form of peer pressure brought on by co-workers, neighbors, friends, media personalities, and strangers on the street - they are reminded of this special day by others' already-received ashes on their foreheads (not to mention the day appears on most secular calendars too). Or perhaps it is because Lent gives people a second chance at a New Year's resolution - and the ashes signify a public admission that they need to try harder this time around.
But why do YOU go? Whether you're inactive or a frequent churchgoer, why will you receive ashes this year? What's so special about this day to you?
Feel free to respond, reply, or comment. We would love to hear from you.
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