Ash Wednesday 2019

Ash Wednesday 2019

It is 7:00 am, and I am preparing to be anointed with ashes this evening. The local Lutheran church celebrates this sacred event every year for the community. I have participated for the last 20 years. It was not my tradition growing, but I have looked forward to it , as I have been been living in the community.

Last year, there was a school shooting in Florida on Ash Wednesday, and one of the photos that I remember is a mother screaming about the tragedy, but she had the sign of the cross etched on her forehead, “ ashes to ashes and dust to dust”. She had attended an Ash Wednesday service that morning in Parkland , Florida

I will reflect on the day, and the sacred ash ceremony, and get back to you…..

Last night, we had about 50 worshippers in Elmira come to participate with the ashes. The text for the service was Jesus’ temptations in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. Physical power, political activity and religious dominance are the three things that Jesus was tempted to take from the devil. Who is this devil, that would have this kind of power over Jesus, the Son of God.

“ Dust you have come, and to dust you will return “ is what I heard the pastor say, as he put the ashes on my forehead in the form of a cross. The Ashes are all about being okay with dying. We are to walk the 40 days to Easter with being comfortable with the death of Jesus, our Saviour,and our own deaths. I have been close to death, but I am still not comfortable with it. I guess I am ready for another Lenten journey, to try to give everything over to God.

 After the ashes were finished, the pastor offered to us the bread and cup of faith.We reenacted the final meal that Jesus had with his friends. People came forward to take the bread and then drink from the common cup. Communion is a community event, and it is a event for the community of churches here in Elmira.

Now, what do the ashes mean for me in my everyday life ? To be reminded that there are the dark days of all of our lives. Walking and talking with Jesus can be an experience every day of Lent, as well as all of the 365 days of the year. I forget that relationship as I get busy with the activities of life ?

Prayer of the Ashes

God, the ashes come from last year’s palm branches,

             At least that is what they tell me,

             And that is what the tradition says,

God, the ashes wash away at the next shower

       ,  like they did this morning,

       , so they are gone down the drain.

God, how can I keep the blackness of the ash

       , so they might provide a light for my path.

       , and I might feel and live salvation today, and always.

God,    wash me whiter than snow

       ,    with the darkness of the ash.

       ,    with a promised new life, in forty days.  Amen

Fred Redekop