Ash Wednesday

So much to write about from the last week, but today is Ash Wednesday and it seems fitting to focus on that instead.

Ash Wednesday may seem to be a paradox. Our Gospel today, from Matthew, says that one should not do acts of piety for public consumption. Then we all stroll around the rest of the day with ashes on our forehead. Of course, Jesus makes clear that it is public displays for the purpose of invoking the praise from others. In our culture, ashes are more likely to invoke criticism or mockery. They are probably more witness (Jesus promoting) than self promoting our piety.

The message I shared today focused on the concept of Lent, which means spring. Springtime came early around these parts (we have had little by way of winter weather). Already trees are in bloom and flowers are shooting out of the ground. Spring is a time of new life. One of the most endearing parts of the movie Bambi (probably my favorite Disney movie) is the colors of blooming flowers and the baby animals frolicking. It just feels great to be alive in spring (aside from alergies) and I think Lent should include that dimension.

As we begin anew we are confronted with two realities. Sin and Death. Jesus Christ is God's answer to the problem of sin and death. So Lent is a time to actively seek out forgiveness and healing. Stepping aside from the various theories about how exactly that happens, Lent is a time to receive the mercy and to repent in reponse to the mercy so that it can become a powerful force in our lives. "Forgive me! Heal me!" are words we need to repeat over and again during Lent. Perhaps in facing our own sin and brokenness we will be more kindly with the sin and brokenness of others. Mercy is something we receive and then pass on!

The sacrifices of Lent are intended to draw us nearer to God and not be an ends in themselves. Hence, the point of fasting is to remind ourselves that 'man does not live by bread alone...' and to act like it is true. Being hungry and uncomfortable is a way to discipline our appetites. It is also an active prayer saying "I love you" to the Father.

My suggestion is that Lenten disciplines be tailored to mission and ministry. We should "give up" in order to translate that time into something more valuable. We "give up" in order that money spent in pursuing our own desires (which is not bad) can now be invested in the work of the church (seeing to the needs of others be they physical, mental, emotional or spiritual). Here is how it looks concretely: I skip lunch one day, contribute the $10.00 to a mission. During the half hour I am not eating I read the Gospel of Mark. In that time I can probably read four chapters or so. I can also spend some moments in quiet, thanking God for blessings (like food to eat every day, a job, the ability to read, etc.) Ask God to use you to share Him with others. Eventually, God will set it up where someone asks you about lunch. You tell them you have a little thing going on from church. If they pursue it you say I will tell you about it. In the course of telling them, you share the Gospel and your personal faith. Who know what impact it could have. One thing it will definitely do, it will make you try harder to be good because you can't be fasting and praying and act like a jerk, right?

Lent is springtime. A time for a new mind (in Christ) and a converted way of being. A time for discipline and hard work. A time for sacrifice and self-gift. A time to transform some of your time, talent and treaure into Kingdom resources for the love of Jesus. May our Father bless you with His Holy Spirit and a most holy lent!