The season is Lent is upon us. A season that began yesterday with the sign of ashes.
Over the last few days, I have been thinking a lot about ash. It’s messy and dirty and as such, it is the perfect metaphor for sin.
While burning the old, dried-out palms for Ash Wednesday, I was surprised anew by how quickly they were transformed. Ask any of the kids who joined me for the burning of the palms on Shrove Tuesday – it was like a mini explosion as they flared up and then extinguished themselves. I will not lie; some panic was induced. Yet is not anxiety and fear also a by-product of sin?
On Ash Wednesday we began our Lenten journey by facing our limitations, desires and sins. We acknowledged the messiness of our lives, the stains we cannot remove on our own, our anxieties and fears.
As we prayed in the Ash Wednesday service from Psalm 51 –
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Given our recent snowfall, I am also reminded of the words of Isaiah about the atonement of the Lord when he writes
Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
In preparation to burn the ash, I was reminded that ash – though messy and dirty – has always been something that can be transformative. Historically ash, animal fat and essential oils were combined to make soap (and in some cases still is).
It turns out that our ancient symbol of Lent has a long history of cleansing.
As you begin your Lenten journey this week, ask yourself: what do you need transformed in your life? How can you ask God to help clean up something in your life or soul?
Prayer:
God of grace,
you know our struggle to serve you:
when sin spoils our lives
and overshadows our hearts,
Cleanse our hearts,
come to our aid and turn us back to you again;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From Common Worship (2000)
