Ash Wednesday

What matters most to you? When faced with terminal illness, the fatalities of a disaster, or attend a funeral, we're reminded of human frailty, the brevity of life. Sometimes that creates a determination to make the most of life or make things better for others.

Today Lent begins, a time to re-focus on what matters most, a time for honest appraisal of who we are and what God calls us to be. If you take part today in an Ash Wednesday service which includes the imposition of ashes, you will be invited to receive a stark reminder of who you are with words like these,

"remember that you are dust, 

and to dust you shall return."

The sign drawn with ash on the forehead is more than a sign of penitence and a symbol of mortality, it's a sign of hope. The ash (mixed with oil) is drawn in the shape of a cross, the sign of Christ, a badge of discipleship and reminder of his death for the sins of the whole world. Words like these are also said over each person receiving the ashing, "Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ". What will being faithful to Christ mean in your context this Lent?

Many people fast during Lent. Jesus assumed his disciples will fast but tells us

"whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others they are fasting" (Matthew 6: 16).

A common accusation levelled against Christians is that we are hypocrites. I usually answer that by saying, 'yes I agree and I'm one of them. That's why I need God's help.'

The prophet Isaiah had strong words for those whose fasting is all outward show in self-interest, while ignoring the plight of the oppressed and those in need. The message from God given through Isaiah is as relevant today as then:

"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?"

(Isaiah 58: 6-7)

One visionary response to this I find challenging is the Ash Wednesday Prayer written last year by Christine Sine.

We have chosen to fast

Not with ashes but with actions

Not with sackcloth but in sharing

Not in thoughts but in deeds

We will give up our abundance

To share our food with the hungry

We will give up our comfort

To provide homes for the destitute

We will give up our fashions

To see the naked clothed

We will share where others hoard

We will free where others oppress

We will heal where others harm

Then God’s light will break out on us

God’s healing will quickly appear

God will guide us always

God’s righteousness will go before us

We will find our joy in the Lord

We will be like a well watered garden

We will be called repairers of broken walls

Together we will feast at God’s banquet table

This post is the first of a series of daily Lent reflections based on Bible readings from the Common Worship Lectionary of the Church of England. This one is based on Isaiah 58: 1-12 and Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21 )