I'm still dwelling on the bizarre and strangely encouraging ritual of Ash Wednesday that marked the beginning of the Lenten season for me, my family, and my community. For the last three years our little church community has held a simple service of prayer, reflection, and ashing, just like loads of other Christian churches did on the same day.
I never grew up with that tradition, at least, not that I remember.... I don't know why. Well, maybe I do.... It's bizarre.
It's quite an unsettling thing to stare your friends in the eyes, after a quiet evening together of praying, singing, and listening, and to say, "Remember that you're dust - repent and believe the Gospel." And then, to smear dirt on their face in the shape of a cross...? Unsettling. Weird.
Some of these friends I know well - very well. Others... I didn't even know their names. But all the same, as the pastor on duty for ashing, I went eyeball to eyeball with these good folks and told them they'd be dying sometime in the not too distant future so drawing near to Christ in repentance would be the best next step.
Bizarre.
But astoundingly encouraging. It's actually been one of the pastoral moments that I've most valued in the last few years of ministry life. There is something about that moment where the community is, together, welcoming of a reminder of mortality and the need for grace that rouses my faith.... That's a work of God's Spirit.
And seeing a community of people who want to draw near to God - the source of life and hope - is encouraging and calls me forward in faith.
2 comments:
I don't remember ever doing that either. I like it, though!
I knew I was doing something wrong. I would go up to people all the time and say the first part. I kept forgetting what was next.
Jokes aside, I've actually enjoyed the incorporation of more of the Lent season into the church and bringing back some of the fascinating tradition. It's strange and wonderful.
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