We rise again from Ashes...

Welcome to the great season of Lent! This may very well be my favourite time of the church year. It's as if, despite all it has screwed up over the centuries, the Catholic Church got it right with Lent. I see it as time to stop & reflect on my relationship with God... a time to become preoccupied with that Power that is oh-so-much greater than myself... a time to honour the darkness that comes with simply being alive.

As I walked around this afternoon with a cross of ashes on my forehead, I was struck by the paradox within it all. First of all, the fact that I felt - and acted upon - a deep desire to go to Ash Wednesday mass at noon is a mystery to me. Secondly, Matthew's gospel tells us:

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. (Matthew 6:5)

...and yet, there I was walking around with a black smudge smack dab in the middle of my face. How is that "going to my room and closing the door"? I am in private, yet I am in community.

Paradox #3 is the symbol itself... a cross of ashes. Ashes remind me that I am of the Earth. The cross reminds me that I am of God. I am finite, yet I am infinite.

In light of this, and considering my childhood practice of Lent (ie. giving up chocolate or candy...), I have set an intention for my Lenten Journey 2007... a theme, if you will:

It's not so much about giving up; it's about giving in... giving in to the mystery, to the darkness, to the paradox.

There is great wisdom to be found during Lent, as long as I am willing to be honest... to be present... to be faithful to the journey.

PAX,