There is a lot to unpack from Ash Wednesday and I probably will only skim the surface. I spent four hours in front of the Hotel Cecil, chatting with people, drawing ash crosses on the foreheads of all who asked. My best friend from high school, Robert, was along for logistical and moral support.
At the end of the day, Robert and I counted 122 people receiving ashes — and a diverse group it was.
From ‘regulars’ to new faces, to a couple who was driving down Main Street, stopped their car in a loading zone and asked for ashes because they were from Costa Rica and didn’t know where any churches were, it was an amazing day. Though traditionally a somber day, there was a palpable sense of joy at my purple-draped table.
Two tenants I have previously written about were both there, both received ashes. And they both stayed and served as a beacon to others who were probably a little curious about what was going on. Rose clearly explained (mostly) to a passer-by, who then turned to me and asked for ashes. “I could use a reminder of God in my life,” he said as I drew the cross on his forehead.
The greatest part of the day, though, was when Rose noticed my ashes had faded from my forehead and she asked if she could put more on. I happily and quickly agreed. Rose jammed her thumb into the pyx and drew a starkly beautiful ash-black cross on my forehead.
I’ll end here with a video and a request: Please support our work. We are bringing new programs to the Cecil and beyond in 2024 and your support will mean the world to our friends who need it most.