The coldest and cloudiest month of them all: February.

The most boring and uneventful day of the week: Wednesday.

A plain date in the middle of the month: the 13th.

But this Wednesday, Feb. 13 2013, was no normal date in the minds of many. It was Ash Wednesday.  And to Christians around the world, this day is a symbol of respect for the suffering Christ endured for us.

To those who aren’t religious, it might be the day that “little black crosses” are adorned on countless foreheads. But for those who share their trust and life in the love of faith, it is a serious time for contemplative prayer.

But according to the Kansas City Star, this special time of reflection and repentance is being reduced to symbolism alone.  Some churches, such as Colonial Church at 71st and Mission, and Asbury United Methodist at 75th and Nall, have been closed down and dedicated to distributing drive through ashes. Yes, like McDonalds.  This modern spin on a traditional ritual has clouded the true purpose of receiving ashes.

When this day rolls around and a fellow classmate etches a cross onto my forehead, I spend the rest of the day in meditation and deep thought.

God has gifted us with countless days, 24 hours in everyday, and 7 days every week. How has it come to the point that we are so busy that we cannot take one hour out of a day of hustle and bustle to give time up to God.

As Father Waris told the student body during his homily, those who glorify their ashes and fast will not be rewarded. Those who go through a drive through to receive ashes, only to simply have a cross on his/her forehead, is simply glorifying their religion without thinking of the true meaning of what it means to celebrate “Ash Wednesday.”

So instead of showing off your religion by driving through a closed down fast food chain, take the time to count your blessings and enjoy the 40 days to come.