An Ash Wednesday Life

The ashes are traced
In a cross upon my forehead.
I know the cross is there,
But I cannot see it.

I even forget about it,
Remembering only when
An accidental touch
Leaves my fingers stained.

But I see others’ crosses,
Drawn across brows
Sometimes creased with
Lines of worry and concern.

Would that it were this way
Beyond the first day of Lent—
That I would be more aware
Of others’ crosses than of my own.

Lord, help me live
An Ash Wednesday life,
Aware of those around me
And not focused on myself.

Give me a heart that seeks
Not relief from my own burdens,
But to be a Simon to others
As they bear their crosses.

By Natalie Hoefer

(Natalie Hoefer is a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis and is a reporter for The Criterion.) †

The Criterion