a post for the move toward Easter

This is a short devotion that I put together for Ash Wednesday. While it is no longer timely, it makes sense with the other pieces that I will post here beginning this weekend.

For Christians around the world, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. (Easter is March 23 this year.) These 40 weekdays signify the time Jesus spent in the wilderness. The season of Lent can also be a time when Christians devote themselves to introspection and reflection.

Many Christians choose to mark the season of Lent with prayer and fasting. Other Christians during this time give up meat, alcohol and other types of food.

Ash Wednesday derives from the Latin, dies cinerum, which means 'day of ashes'. The use of the ashes comes from the Old Testament image of men who turned away from their sins, and showed their decision by wearing ashes and clothing their bodies with sackcloth. In a practical way, they showed their true selves, and the true desire of their hearts.

So, does this day have any significance for those of us who do not attend a Catholic, Episcopalian or Methodist church?

I believe that it does.

I believe that it can be particularly meaningful for Woodcrest.

One of the main values that we hold and promote is the value of authenticity. We describe it in several different ways. We speak of the need to live life transparently, without masks or personas. We even describe ourselves as a community of helped people helping people. That means that we embrace the fact that we are all damaged, rebellious, and fearful people, who are learning to grasp onto the unconditional love of a Christ who has promised not to harm us, even in our most tenuous state.

We are people who have metaphorically put ashes on our heads, and stepped out of our “show clothes” to allow the world to see us as we really are.

And in that process, we find the same thing that Jesus found in His 40 days in the wilderness. That we are never truly alone. That our Father in Heaven is trustworthy, and will protect us. That it is not only OK, but it is better to live as our true broken selves, in the light of God’s grace.

So should you put some ashes on your forehead today? Maybe. It won’t hurt anything.

But you might also consider taking some time today to slip away out of your regular routine and take a few minutes to talk to God. To talk without worrying if you are saying or doing things right. To talk as someone who is tired of pretending to be something that you are not. To talk like someone who is willing to (quietly and privately) identify yourself as a person who will embrace the idea of living as your true self, in the belief that God will welcome and embrace the true you.

Give it a try. Who knows what might happen?