In some Christian communities the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, is observed with prayer services that include placing ashes on the forehead of members of the congregation. At the time the ashes are placed on the forehead the minister may use this formula: REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE DUST AND UNTO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN.
Ashes on the forehead is, in the first place, a sign of repentance, turning back to God. We remember that this is the response that Old Testament figures took when they had broken God’s commandment: they would wear sackcloth and cover themselves in ashes and fast to invoke God’s mercy and forgiveness. The ashes also remind us of the story of creation when, in the Garden of Eden, God breathed life into Adam from the dust of the earth. As Christians receiving the ashes it is important to remember that this is not intended as a morbid reflection on the human condition and our mortality. When heard in the context of Scripture these words: REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE DUST AND UNTO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN are an affirmation of God’s creative love and unconditional commitment to the human race.(John 3.16) How do we know this? Because Jesus experienced himself as “dust” being born and dying as all human beings do. What all human beings have experienced from the beginning of time: “dust unto dust” becomes through Jesus, the New Adam, the beginning of a new creation, what we call “Heaven” which is, in fact, a reality we already participate in. Lent is simply a time to get “in sync” with what has already been given us: “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.”(Luke 17.21) “He who believes in the Son, has eternal life.”(John3.16)
This community of BELOVED already excels in what are referred to as the corporal acts of mercy: clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, almsgiving.
What we are challenged to are the more quiet and interior disciplines of prayer and meditation and reflection on the Word of God.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD
Getting “in sync” with our “Original nature.” We are made in the image and likeness of God. This is our original nature. Our original “face.” Lent is a time to remember who we are in God’s eyes not in the eyes of society or the world. Prayer and meditation are the most effective means to remember who we are. Take time to be still. Be present to yourself and present to the silence where God speaks to us in the depths of our hearts.
COME TO ME ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST
Getting “in sync” with God’s Word. During Lent the universal Church walks with us. We go on this pilgrimage together. And our “bread for the journey” is God’s word. We can use the lectionary on line (http://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2013/2/13/) to take part in that bread of life. The readings from the lectionary are the readings that all UCC and many other denominations use for each liturgical season. Last year Angie suggested using the readings throughout the day to sustain us. We may choose to fast from food but we should never fast from the Word of God, our daily bread. This way, although we may be reading the scriptures at home alone, we are really in communion with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. It’s a beautiful thought. May God bless us during this Lenten pilgrimage and renew us in His love.
-Palmer
