Ash Wednesday 2024

‘Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

The Ash Wednesday liturgy is a powerful service and a time for us to turn ourselves to deeper faith and deeper reflection. This year, today, we not only observe Ash Wednesday but so many also celebrate Valentine's Day. We are sending valentines and imposing ashes all at the same time. It seems like a huge conflict. If we dive a bit deeper though, we find that both commemorations focus on the love that heals and renews us all. We impose ashes to remind ourselves of our need to examine our lives and our hearts. We send valentines to demonstrate our love for those who have made love possible in our lives. We're in a season of turning, love always turning and renewing, lead always by God's love, eternal and forgiving. May we embrace the fullness of love this season and take seriously the call to humble ourselves and seek God's renewing and healing love.

Eternal Creator, you set the world in motion

tis beauteous orb is always changing and moving

turning to the sun and away from the light

yet your love is constant and never ending.

We ache to be loved and change ourselves

yet you love us for who we are, your children

we think beauty and gifts we solve our problems

while you gently call us to deep, tender prayer.

Help us to hear your call for loving justice

help us rid ourselves our all anger and envy

let our love and service be real and genuine

and make us new again as we seek your face. Amen.