A Year of Ashes

If there was ever a year that reminded us of how fleeting life could be, last year may have been it. Although it might be eclipsed by this year. We have undergone many changes in our lives. Our daily routines have been shattered. We have mourned the deaths of neighbors, friends, and family. We began this strange imbalance in our lives last year, shortly after Ash Wednesday, after hearing that, “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” you waited through Lent to hear the absolution of your sins only to find an empty sanctuary and, for many, an internet version of Liturgy. There was no glorious proclamation of the resurrection. Instead of gathering as the people of God we spent Holy Week and Easter in our homes feeling confused and disappointed. And now we come again to Ash Wednesday. Will we see a repeat of last year? Even though we have gathered in worship this past year we still long for the gift of Easter in our lives. We ask if we will be able to gather around the empty tomb this year and heartily proclaim together, “Christ is risen. Alleluia!”

This year Ash Wednesday will also be different. There is much to think about with the Covid-19 death toll reaching half a million, Ash Wednesday will be a more poignant experience reminding you of your mortality. To remember that we will die during this pandemic, brings the pain and longing of our lives into sharper focus. We have been reminded many times of our mortality this past year. Death has been closely woven into the fabric of our lives to the point of isolating us in our homes while we question whether or not we should go out to the store or see family. In fact you may even question the safety of an Ash Wednesday service.

With this in mind, I wish to remind you what lent is all about by printing the opening exhortation for Ash Wednesday:

Brothers and sisters: God created us to experience joy in communion with him, to love all humanity, and to live in harmony with all of his creation. But sin separates us from God, our neighbors, and creation, and so we do not enjoy the life our creator intended for us. Also, by our sin we grieve our Father, who does not desire us to come under his judgment, but to turn to him and live.

As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we are called to struggle against everything that leads us away from love of God and neighbor. Repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of love – the discipline of Lent – help us to wage our spiritual warfare. I invite you, therefore, to commit yourselves to this struggle and confess your sins, asking our Father for strength to persevere in your Lenten discipline.  

This Lent, no matter where you find yourself on Ash Wednesday and the weeks that follow remember that you are dust. Remember also that God has called you through the blood of Jesus to live in God’s glorious presence where the words of Psalm 51 ring true.

9 Make me hear of joy and gladness,

that the body you have broken may rejoice. 

10 Hide your face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

11 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

12 Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

13 Give me the joy of your saving help again,

and sustain me  with your bountiful Spirit.

Peace,

Pastor John