What are the chances the ashes make a difference, a real difference in the heart of the one receiving them? What truly is the power of the words, "Remember, from dust you were made and to dust you shall return"? Is it possible this day that folk will rend their hearts before God, rather than just make an appearance to receive a cross of ash? Will the liturgy of the moment speak to the mounting apathy of the culture?
Only God knows, and God does know.
So it is that we gather, so it is we worship, so it is that we listen to the Word Made Flesh, so it is that we wait on the Spirit, so it is that we humbly bow before God. God does not care about church membership or frequency of attendance. God wants to be in relationship with you, with me, with us all. God calls us to live as the community of the blessed in the midst of creation.
Ashes remind us that we are here but for a few short days, so we make the most of our days. Today, the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, we rend our hearts and ask forgiveness for that which separates us from God and each other. Today we begin a forty day journey towards Jerusalem with Jesus. Today we watch, listen and tend to God, as we pray God tends to us.
That is enough. That is our call. That is our baptismal identity.
Thanks be to God.
Something to ponder on the Lenten journey - from a farmer who loves the smell of the earth.
"Remember, from dust you were made and to dust you shall return."
