Ash Wednesday

Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 

The season has turned and Epiphany is gone with all the fanfare we can muster at Mardi Gras. Now it is time to contemplate our fragile humanity, to turn our hearts and to open them anew to God. The ashes, made of burnt palms, remind us that we are fragile humans, broken and dying. The ashes also remind us that we all, every one of us, are a child of God. We are held in this season between mortality and eternity. The gift of Lent is the invitation to turn ourselves fully into the hands of God.

Jesus described the challenge we face daily, Do we exalt ourselves or do we be humble and honest in everything? We are invited in making a holy Lent, to take the time to be humble in everything, to embrace the gifts we have been given, and to take time to honor and serve those around us.

Today, I ask God to help me keep a holy Lent by serving others, by giving up judgment and criticism, and taking up their needs and their cause. May we enter this Lent with grateful hearts, for God loves each of us and aches to hold us ever closer.