All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. –Ecclesiastes 3:20 NIV
The Ash Wednesday service in the Book of Common Prayer (p.264) begins with the prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Ash Wednesday (February 10 this year) is the start of the season of Lent on the Christian calendar. It marks the beginning of a season of penitence in the church year in preparation for the power and glory of Easter. Many who were not raised in the church or in a liturgical tradition ask me what Ash Wednesday and Lent are all about. I guess some of the ancient customs cause at least a bit of curiosity.
The most obvious custom is the imposition of ashes. This dates from the early church and is a remembrance of our mortality. The ashes are made from the Palm Sunday palms from the previous year. These ashes are administered by the priest with the words: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return”. (BCP, p265) They are an outward sign of the inward work we are called to during Lent and they help set the tone for the season. We are encouraged to remember the proper order of things – God is in charge and we are His created beings. The opening prayer puts this in perspective for us by reminding us that God hates nothing He has made and that He is the God of all mercy. Yet, we are reminded that He is our source of life and source of our forgiveness.
So often we think we are in charge. We think we control our days and our choices, and to some extent that is true; we have free will. But, for the Christian, we are called to understand that there is more to the story than that. Lent calls us back to right relationship with God. As we remember that we are dust, that we are frail, we acknowledge that we are part of a much bigger story and we are not that center of the universe. God is the main character and we are not. As we humble ourselves in prayer and fasting, we receive the reconciliation with God that changes everything. We are His beloved children and His desire for us is good. Just as a parent administers discipline in order to mold the character of their children, so too, does our loving Father desire for us to live within the healthy framework of His word to mold our character into His own image. When we let Him be in charge of our days and our choices, He works miracles in and through us and employs us in work that advances His Kingdom here on earth.
As this Lenten season begins, I encourage you to consider where your life is out of control and out of step with God’s Kingdom principles. Repent (which really means turn back) and come back into a right relationship with the Lord. Consider how you might spend more time in prayer and study during this time. But, this is more than a chance to get yourself back on track, it is a chance to seek God for how you are uniquely called to be His hands and feet to a world that is in great need of His healing touch. A kind word, acts of service, ministering to those in need are all ways to walk out the season in meaningful ways. Look inward to your own need for reconciliation with God then look outward for ways to serve others.
May you blessed as you begin this holy season.
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