Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. We "celebrate" Ash Wednesday by gathering for worship and confessing our sin. We receive the "imposition of ashes" on our foreheads. Often the ashes are from the burning of the previous year's Palm Sunday branches. (More on Palm Sunday when we get there.)

"Okay, Pastor Lindean. It's Lent. So what does it actually MEAN?" I hear you saying.
So...
Since the early church, Christians have marked the seven weeks before Easter as a time of penitence and spiritual self-examination. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season. While a lot of us don't see a lot of ashes on a regular basis in the middle of a desert city like Phoenix, the ashes have a dual significance. First, ashes are an ancient (Old Testament) symbol of sadness and humility. In the midst of all his troubles, Job cried out to God from the ash heap.
Second, ashes are a reminder of our mortality. Our bodies and material possessions will, eventually, turn to dust and ashes. The cross of ashes on our foreheads is a reminder that we dare not trust in things that crumble. "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Lots of folks talk about "giving something up for Lent." That's not a bad idea, especially since we live with so much excess and instant gratification. It's also not required. I've been known (along with lots of others) to ADD something for Lent - adding special times of prayer and devotions, giving special offerings (which might require giving something up in order to have the money to give away), more meaningful time with family or friends.

Maybe one way to think of Lent is as an exercise in perspective. Lent lasts for forty days (it doesn't include Sundays, which are always "little Easters.") Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness.
During Lent we see just how fragile we are. We can be reminded of our weakness (Why is it so hard to quit drinking coffee or Diet Coke? Or to actually give to everyone who asks? Or forgive as we've been forgiven?). We are reminded of God's graciousness - there is real forgiveness with this God whose Son died on the cross. We are encouraged to LIVE what we BELIEVE with renewed focus. The disciplines of Lent are sometimes listed as prayer, fasting and works of love - not a bad way to live.

Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.
Remember, human, that you are dust, and to dust you will return.