|
"Valentines and Ashes"
At first it seemed ironic to me that Ash Wednesday, the day signifying the beginning of Lent, the day we are marked by ashes to remember our mortality, “it is dust from which you come and dust you shall return,” is also the same day as Valentine’s, the day of being marked with love and the day to enjoy a little indulgence (ie. chocolate). But after some consideration, I realize it’s perfect that these two commemorations occur on the same day.
I grew up in a tradition that didn’t recognize Lent or Ash Wednesday; but when I finally learned about the religious observances marking the forty days before Christ’s crucifixion and Resurrection, I have to admit I simply thought, “ah, that again,” meaning this is simply once again a ritual from a spiritual path requiring deliberations about my sinfulness, my awfulness, more deliberations centered upon shame. It seemed all too familiar. And it seemed all too painful.
When I walked a little further on my life’s journey, I began to experience a different kind of path and a different kind of God. I became introduced to a God who accepted me for exactly who I was, more, a God who loved me for exactly who I was. I began a relationship with a God who, as one friend noted, “delighted in me.” Trust me, this was both mind-blowing and life altering. So, when I joined a tradition that recognizes liturgical seasons, I struggled with the entire concept of Lent, of demanded sacrifice, or marking myself in what felt to me like that old companion of shame.
But this year, preparing for both Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s, I asked, what if it is a different kind of mark? What if the dirty cross smudged upon our foreheads is not a mark that symbolizes shame and a never-ending confession but rather a mark that signifies, yes, it’s true, I am human, with all its messiness but it is also a mark that announces to the world and to myself I am loved? And in my messy human state, I rely upon God’s grace, God’s acceptance, God’s mark and hold upon my life to keep me on a path with an open heart, a path of love for all that God created, messy selves included.
For the past few years I have offered ashes at the county detox and rehab center. Every year I recognize that veil of shame covering the faces of the clients. I understand most of them do not need to be reminded of their “dreadful” mortality, of their disgrace; but rather all of them, all of us, need to be reminded of God’s redeeming love. So, this year on February 14th, I’ll place the sign of the cross on foreheads but instead of shame, I’ll be marking us all in the love and acceptance of our overindulgent, gracious God who seeks to be in relationship with us. And I can honestly say, to know that, to receive that, to be marked by that, is even better than chocolate.
Praise be to God!
You are the light of the world!
Warmly,
Lynne
| 
