ash wednesday
the PRAYER …
Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING …
[Jesus said to the disciples:] “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
the DEVOTION …
I’m going on forty years, now, of ashWednesdays. Called. Ordained. And I have to confess, I still don’t know why. Why we celebrate it! Why we celebrate it the way we do! On this one day, it’s as if the Reformation never happened. Sure, as a human, I can appreciate the effort. Wanting to do our best, to do our duty. Taking our life with god and with each other seriously. But tell me, how’s that been working?
Truth is, as an evangelical – gospel-rooted – people, we take our humanity even more seriously. We believe we’re captive, in bondage to it. Can’t rid ourselves of it. No matter how hard we try. We can pray till the cows come home! We can fast till we’re nothing more than skin-and-bones! We can give till there’s nothing left! And nothing changes. We’re still people. Just people.
After four decades of ministry – called and ordained – if I had my ‘druthers, ashWednesday would be the one day of the year when we’re reminded, yet again, that we didn’t … and we couldn’t … and we wouldn’t … but that god can! and does! and aways will!