Ashes to Ashes

+JMJ+

Lent 2009: Day 1

Route 49B, 9:45 p.m.

I climbed aboard the bus praying the Mercy Chaplet as I clenched my plastic rosary...I had totally forgotten about the ashes, Deacon Alex did a good job of smearing them boldly across my forehead.

Earlier I had a call that a family member was undergoing heart failure, and the prognosis is not hopeful. I finished first round of the Chaplet, and went for another...I felt at peace as I prayed.

I took out my prayer book and began to intercede for other intentions...when I realized an older gentleman was trying to get my attention. He was Indian, like many in our ethnic neighborhood, sometimes called Little India.

"What is that on your forehead?"

"Oh, they are ashes."

He looked perplexed...

"I am Catholic, and today we begin the season of Lent, a time of fasting and penance...the ashes remind us of our place."

"Oh..." he said, shaking his head in understanding.

I had sense that he kept observing me for the next few minutes. As he rose to get off the bus, I could see he was still glancing my way. I looked up to smile and he waved, I waved back.

+++++++

So simple, yet so real. Sometimes, the veil is lifted, and you are invited to realize that you truly are in the right place at the right time.

Someone once asked if it was burden to wear my "I'm pro-life, ask me why?" button all the time. I said, well, Jesus never stopped being Jesus...I can't stop being a witness either."

Not that witnessing is easy...or that I am always a perfect witness. But, still.

What graces await those who try their best? Only those who try their best will ever know...