Today is Ash Wednesday. Being Christians for so many years, this is my first time ever observing Ash Wednesday. I went to the Anglican church closed to my office for a Wednesday Eucharist service. It turns out to be a pretty big service. First time in my life to have ashes marked on my forehead. I still remember the smell of the ashes.
On one hand, when the minister carried the cross into the congregation's midst. It is a pretty dramatic experience. The image of Christ in our midst is so strong. Also, they read the gospel in the midst of the congregation, which, to me, symbolizes God's word in our midst. It is quite a profound experience. The smell of ashes on my forehead keeps reminding me of the meaning of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In this service, we eat, drink, sing, read, watch, smell, touch (the bread), listen - all senses are engaged. Liturgy - work of men. Did we enjoy the "work" of other "men"? Or we "work" for God's enjoyment?
Ash Wednesday - the inauguration of the season of Lent, leading to Christ's death and resurrection. How am I going to prepare myself in this season? What does the death and resurrection of Christ mean to me/us, particularly in this time? What kind of hope does the resurrection give me/us? What is your current situation now? Can the resurrection of Christ give you comfort and hope?
BTW, I didn't intentionally wipe clean the ashes. I sweat some time later and the ash was wiped out when I wipe my sweat on my forehead.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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