Ash Wednesday

Today is a special day of worship, and I am looking forward to the six weeks of Lent. Tonight we will observe Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion and the opportunity to have a cross of ashes marked on my forehead. The words, "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return," remind me that I will die physically, but also remind me that I have died already to a life lived of the world and that I am living in Christ. The words of Communion, "This is the body of Christ broken for you" and "This is the blood of Christ shed for you" remind me of all that Jesus endured during Holy Week. After having seen the movie The Passion, I recognize the brutality and cruelty that humanity is capable of, the pain and agony that Jesus endured for me and the extent to which Jesus was willing to sacrifice himself so that we may have this one on one relationship with God, and the love that God has for each and every one of us.

From today through Easter, I will try to stay focused on the meaning of the Cross. Our worship services are looking at the theme Living in Covenant with God. I haven't decided what I will give up or what I will take on; that has been a part of Lent for many people. I do know that I have not been keeping Sabbath well. I've been studying Sabbath for school and am aware that Sabbath is not only a period of time but also an action taken to be in communion with God. No doubt whatever I take up/give up will include improving Sabbath ritual.

Lent, the Cross, Easter... these are the foundations of Christian faith... God loved us so much that God sent Jesus, so that every one who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)