Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday.  For those of us who participate in an organized religion such as being Catholic or Lutheran, today is the start of the Lenten season. We go to church for a somber service that reminds us of our complete sinfulness and the necessity of Christ’s suffering and death to insure our salvation.  Ashes have been used throughout history as a sign of sorrow, mourning and repentance.  They are used on Ash Wednesday to remind worshippers of their own mortality.  At my church, as my pastor marks an ash cross on the forehead of each person, he says “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” which is from Genesis 3:19.

It is said the 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter reflects the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting, praying and being tempted by the devil.  (The 40 days do not include Sundays since Sundays are a joyful reflection of Christ’s resurrection.)  As part of the Lenten discipline and to remind us of Jesus’ suffering, we are encouraged to practice a discipline during the 40 days of Lent.  Some people give up something such as chocolate, soda or candy. Others start a discipline such as exercising or doing devotions or praying for something or someone consistently.

Why am I mentioning all this? Well, first because it is an important part of my life and beliefs.  But also because I have mentioned it to a few people today who are devout Christians and they don’t observe Ash Wednesday.  Why not?  Because they are non-denominational Christians and, as such, don’t have the practices and disciplines of hundred of years of church tradition to guide them.

In thinking about all of this it occurs to me that one way is not essentially better than the other way.  Meaning, they are not wrong to not observe Ash Wednesday nor am I wrong to follow the traditions of the church.  I believe that people should worship God in the ways that they are most comfortable with and in the ways that draw them the closest to God.  I take great comfort in the traditional rituals of the Lutheran church.  I find meaning in tonight’s service and find it moving to kneel in front of my pastor, have him mark a cross on my forehead and remind me of my sinfulness and, subsequently, Christ’s redemption.  Other people would find it to be meaningless and a ritual not based in the Bible but in human tradition.  But that is ok.

I used to not go to church or, when I did go to church, I bounced around from one church to the next trying to find something that made me comfortable and at home.  I finally landed at an ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) church and it was like coming home.  The music was familiar, the liturgy brought back memories and the belief structure closely matched my belief structure.  The members of the church were very welcoming and they have become my friends, my support and my family.

So today starts the Lenten journey for 2010. A time of reflection, discipline and preparation.  No matter what your religion background or beliefs, I hope the time from now to Easter is a time of as much growth and meaning for you as I hope it will be for me.