OK….so Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) is over, the pancakes
were good, and now it’s Ash Wednesday…let the repentance begin?
That’s essentially the word on the street about the religious
observance of ashes on the forehead. In poor
Job’s case (overly simplified) it was:
·
In one chapter Job
loses everything: family, wealth,
reputation and health;
·
Next come 37
chapters of Job arguing with his friends and God about why he lost everything;
·
Then there are three
chapters of God responding enough to help Job understand that God knows stuff
and we are pretty ignorant;
·
And then a final
chapter of Job acknowledging how little he really knows about why things happen
and Job repenting (changing his attitude and actions) in dust and ashes.
The “dust and ashes” thing – do we really mean it?
Mean what?
Do we really mean what has been a Christian tradition since the early
days of the church? That is, in the 47
days between Ash Wednesday and Easter morning, are we Really
in a season of intense personal work (prayer, repentance,
reflection) as a way of preparing to properly meet God on resurrection
morning?
Or were the traditional pancakes and Mardi Gras parties enough to help
us endure
the religious rituals?
What is left when the pancakes are gone? Is it just giving up McDonalds for Lent?
I have to confess at this point, I have been on all three sides of
this. Not being raised in a church
tradition which makes much of Lent, my tendency was to ignore it. But, I’ve also tried to experience Lent by
some intense practice of self-denial and whatever brand of stepped-up
devotional fervor seemed right. And,
sadly, there are times when I’ve just simply “limped” through the motions,
nodding in the direction of my “duty” to observe Lent because it’s on the
calendar.
Ho Hum; pass the pancakes,
please.
This year I’m inclined to let the past stay in the past. Like God’s mercies – new every morning – I’m
inclined to believe that (even) my cynicism about past failure can be a dim
memory in this Lenten season of ashes.
Tonight I’m going to have a symbol of that repentance placed over my
eyes. Instead of washing it right off
after the service, I think I’ll leave it on until I get home and look in the
mirror.
And there it will be – ashes, beautiful, scandalous, cautionary and
full of promise. As good as the pancakes
were…the joy of anticipating Resurrection Day will be greater by far!
Today…for you
Make plans to worship with your faith
community tonight. Ashes are best viewed
in community; it’s a good start.
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