Ash Wednesday: Two Episcopal Moments

Was on way back from Red Hen (mug of regular, a twist, looking out the window at the bus stop and Scoville Park) to St. Edmund’s, my usual port of call in matters of worship, when passing the Green Line station I had an Episcopal vision.

It was the ashes-to-go priest in long stole, hands free, and two burly fellows standing with back against the stone wall on the left as you enter, ready with ashes. ?Ashes to go,? she said with a smile, and the two ashes-holders echoed that. I had to stop. Fellow Christians were honoring the day.

A moment of greeting with smile, then my inspired retort, pointing: ?Remember, thou art dust.? And they got it, Mother Whoever especially, smiling agreement, recognizing the ages-old recommendation to the ashes-receiver, ?Remember Man, thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return.?

Aswith Thomas Gray’s ?The paths of glory lead…