We often look for opportunities to make a difference. We hope for a chance to do something concrete; to make a statement. Not all of us are comfortable with the ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday. My personal spiritual history and origins welcomed the ashes of Ash Wednesday as a statement of commitment to faith. I really love the Psalm text for Ash Wednesday:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a
new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit."
Psalm 51:10-12
This is the text I will meditate upon not only today, Ash Wednesday, but throughout Lent. I long for the glory of God to shine ever more brightly in our world. And I am committed to making that light shine more clearly through my actions and my commitments. While there are many "causes" to which I am committed, nothing is so fundamental for me that the well-being and equity for all of God's people on earth (and all people are God's people!)
Join me today in making a difference!
Today is our one-day New and Right Spirit campaign to expand awareness of race, racism, and white privilege. We need your support. Donate now at:
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"The time is always right to do what is right"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
David R Gaewski
Conference Minister
New York Conference, United Church of Christ
