Ash Wednesday 2015

Growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, I heard these words every Ash Wednesday. When I arrived at my public school with the cross of ashes on my forehead, many of my non-RC, yet Christian, friends chided me about the Church's perceived preoccupation with guilt. I never heard it that way. For me it was a reminder that we are all made from the same 'stuff' and that we will all return to that very basic nature when we die.

It's been years since I considered myself only Catholic, yet I continue to find that Ash Wednesday begins my favorite season of the year. It's about self-reflection: not on my wrong actions, but on what can be my better actions.Looking at the deepest recesses of my mind and soul and acknowledging the difference shining Light can make.

Ash Wednesday often, perhaps even always, brought with it a shimmering sense of renewal. I found within its humbling reminder, hope. Hope that Spring would come. Hope that days would get lighter and longer. Hope that tomorrow would shine.

From today's reading (Isaiah 58):
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house: when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly....."

It is also about how I appear in the world, who I truly see, what I value. This day, Ash Wednesday, is a moment in time to recommit my heart to service. In my reflection, I find the oily ash cross marks more than my forehead; it marks me in time. It reminds me that I am here, present this day, alive.

Where does Ash Wednesday find you? What are you committed to do or to be? How can you renew that commitment?

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

From Mahatma Gandhi ~

The roots of violence:
Wealth without work,
Pleasure without conscience,
Knowledge without character,
Politics without principle,
Commere without morality,
Worship without sacrifice.

~ Young India 22 October 1925

As I again explore the Practice of Lent, I find myself drawn to statements or clarifications that resonate with the theme of "sacrifice" in both small and great ways. This quote from Gandhi speaks volumes about the state of our world today ~ and of me as a part of that world. It's always easier to point fingers: "that's the neighbor's problem" ~ "if only the parents did...." ~ "the government should...." For me Lent is about the sacrifice of taking responsibility for my words, my actions, my part in the violence around me. It's easier to say the issue isn't my problem because it's bigger than I am or has been around for a long time or doesn't affect me personally. A piece of my lenten practice is to let go of my capacity to shrug off the issue and my ambivalence in letting violence ~ in word, in action or in inaction ~ continue.

Where are you in your practice? What do you want to see in the world? What are you willing to sacrifice to see that happen?

Ash Wednesday

Today begins the season of Lent. Every Spring millions of people the world over recognize Ash Wednesday as a turning point in their year, the start of a new season.

For me, Lent has always been the marker of a new year. It's time to reflect on the past without reliving it and acknowledging the twists and turns that led me to this place and this moment in time.

The biblical readings today include one of my favorites from Isaiah 58:6-8:

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."

Even though I have more recently 'grown beyond' my Catholic roots, I feel the pull of this season. What about you? Whether at this time of Lent or otherwise, how do you choose to reflect on the path you follow?