“This is the kind of fast day I’m after…” Isaiah 58:6-9 MSG
“6-9 “This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help, and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.'”
Ash Wednesday is nearing, so the questions begin, “What will I give up for lent this year?” “What spiritual discipline will I focus on?” “Will I be able to keep up this commitment for forty days, or will I give up?” “I cannot wait until lent is over so that I can go back to ______.”
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, sometimes called a season of wilderness, in which we highlight fasting, repentance, confession, prayer, solitude, and the practice of spiritual disciplines. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, encouraged these practices throughout the year, not only during Lent.
The imposition of ashes on the forehead marks the beginning of Lent, and most importantly, we are reminded of our mortality when we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return; repent, and believe the gospel” (Book of Worship, 1992).
This year, Ash Wednesday coincides with the overly commercialized Saint Valentine’s Day or Friendship Day, a day set aside to express love through gifts such as flowers (red roses), boxed chocolates, cards, stuffed animals, and dining at favorite restaurants. Since many choose to give up their favorite foods or fast during Lent, this year, the predicament rests on which day will be forfeited. Perhaps some will decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday to preserve the ritual of Ash Wednesday. Whatever you choose to do this year on February 14th, celebrate love or Ash Wednesday, perhaps it’s a good thing to be able to celebrate the kind of love that truly makes the world go round, the love of God for us, who gave it all up for us to show us a love unconditional. The unconditional love of God teaches us to love one another, the stranger, the neighbor, and our friends and family just as we love ourselves and to love God above all things.
Perhaps this season of lent, we are invited to take on something new instead of giving up something for a short period only to return to it after Easter (short-lived repentance?) What if we were to become aware of our surroundings, address the needs of others, break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation, free the oppressed, and cancel debts (forgiveness)? What if we could make the time to share a meal with those who are hungry, with a friend we haven’t seen for a while who may be going through some difficult moments, invite a homeless person to a meal at a restaurant or fast-food and listen to their story, visit a Code Blue center and bring warm clothes, socks, gloves, and hats, or perhaps be intentional to be with your family and have all put away electronic devices to enjoy a meal and quality time together. What if we could take on an hour of family devotion, prayer, reading Scripture, meditation, reflection, and singing together?
May you gain so much more than you will give up this Lenten season. Praying blessings for you, yours, and those you meet in the upcoming wilderness journey. And “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return; repent and believe the gospel.”
Wilderness blessings,
Pastor Iraida