tomorrow marks the first day of lent. 40 days which we will re-center ourselves in our relationship with God. it also marks the first time in my life that i will actually participate fully in lent. here is a great piece which is a compilation of quotes regarding lent and Ash Day from The Rev. Margaret Jones, Dr. Marcus Borg, and The Very Rev. Ward B. Ewing.
Ash Wednesday hits us squarely between the eyes, forcing us to face mortality and sinfulness...We have forty precious days to open ourselves up most particularly to God, to examine ourselves in the presence of one who created us, knows us, and loves us.
The Rev. Margaret Jones
"Ash-Wednesday, A Wake-up Call"
this path of death and resurrection, of radical centering in God, may mean for some of us that we need to die to specific things in our lives—perhaps to a behavior or a pattern of behavior that has become destructive or dysfunctional; perhaps to a relationship that has ended or gone bad; perhaps to an unresolved grief that needs to be let go of; perhaps to a career or job that has either been taken from us or that no longer nourishes us; or perhaps even we need to die to a deadness in our lives.
—Dr. Marcus Borg
“Taking Jesus Seriously”
We need to stop and look at our lives—remember what we are made of, remember where we are going—and let go of all those things that don't really matter, all those things that get in the way of loving God, loving others, and being loved by God and by others.
—The Very Rev. Ward B. Ewing
“The Freedom of Being Dust”
(Rick Evans Photo)
2 comments:
How ironic.
All day I've been thinking about Lent and how I need to learn a little bit more about what it is and if I'm going to participate in it.
At first it seemed just like a month where you give something up for God. But now it seems that it's more of making big changes in your life to center your focus on God. So it's not always giving something up for a month, but maybe making big changes with the things that maybe are holding you back from God.
Am I on the right track here? Feel free to correct me. (Words stolen from you) I want you to. :P
eric, i think you are on track. people of all races, nations, gender, cultures, etc. observe lent by participating in some very traditional exercises and services. however, it is remarkable how subjective and personal lent is between you and God at the same time. connected to all of creation, yet relevant to your love with God. lent will only be what you allow God to make it in your own life. i'm sure you and He will find your way together:)
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