March 1, 2017
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Looking at Ashes
Today is Ash Wednesday. It is a day of fasting and prayer marking the beginning of the Lenten season. As a reminder Catholics attend services where we receive ashes on our foreheads. These are made from the palms from last Easter and are mixed with a special oil called Chrism. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Many people think that Lent is when Catholics "give up" something and then as soon as Lent is over they can pick up right where they left off. Really what should be happening is a conversion - a turning away from self destructive activities and habits. The idea is that come Easter you will have had a change of heart and with that a change that becomes permanent. I am not giving up chocolate. I am going to try very hard to give up mean thoughts about some of the people I work with. I have to realize that when I entertain negative thoughts about them I only hurt myself. If I can approach the little irritations that come with rubbing elbows with other humans with a sense of forgiveness and tolerance, I bet I can be a better coworker and a better person too. It won't be easy. Sometimes people jump on my last nerve. Sometimes I'm not as patient as I should be. But I have the power to ignore the slights, hurts, and button pushing.
Comments (6)
Praying you will be able to do what you have set out too. I also think giving up FB is a good idea. Maybe I should give up any political posts there.
I think that giving up Facebook is easy (at least for me). Those who continue on FB and try to refrain from political posts are going to have a tough time! Seems that everything is politicized!!
I wish our church did a few more of the symbols and had more liturgy. I guess I could change churches, but I've gone to mine since 1975, and I really like the people and the Bible teaching. Thanks for the explanation of Ash Wed. Patience is a hard virtue to maintain, but God will help us if we ask. Just think how patient He has been with us.
I'm off to a good start. It helps that I have signed up for a daily Lenten devotion that come to my email. I read it every morning and it helps set the tone for the day...
Honey, you are a fine example of what it means to be a Christian and I'm proud of you.
One of our Hospice/V.A. chaplains came around today to put ashes on our foreheads today. We were supposed to be under a severe storm watch so didn't go to services tonight...I will do my devotions and work on several of the faults I'm working on during Lent. You're a good example to follow! Thanks.
Hmm. I think I learned at home how to live my life with a conscience. So I'm only following the examples set for me. Thanks!
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