Today we begin the season of Lent. To do this, we observe the holy rituals of Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday used to not mean much to Protestants-- it was something Catholics did. But in recent years, Protestants, including Methodists, have re-claimed the ritual of imposing ashes upon the forehead and remembering, "from the dust we have come, to the dust we shall return." This reminder of our mortality is not meant to bring us down but rather inspire us to make the best of the precious time we have-- to work at our relationship with God, to care for ourselves and our neighbors, to sense the urgency of our mission as disciples of Jesus.
Often times during Lent people give things up in order to help them grow closer to God. This act of sacrifice is meant to take the focus off of whatever one gives up and allow more time to focus on God. In this day and age, it is more like a New Year's resolution or a diet fad-- something to say you've given something up, without the foundational reasoning in place.
As we begin our journey this Lenten season and focus upon the three simple rules-- perhaps we will sense the urgency of our mission-- to follow the rules and love. Blessed Ash Wednesday to all!
