Ash Wednesday 03/01/2006

7:30 Mass
Missed the Liturgy of the Word.
Shower went a little too long this morning.
The big old church is a warm memory springing into vivid life.
The ashes are distributed.
Communion is received.
A blessing is asked and given. (A gratuitous unconditionally loving God, ours)
The day, and the season are well begun.

Lent
A penitential season.
A tool for remembrance.
Quiet, sacred spaces carved out of the busy flow of our lives.
Moments to reflect (a modern luxury)

Opportunities to manifest the community.
We're all here again. The reassuring cycles of the church season have come full turn and greet us once again.
Friends embrace, and chat and share a smile.
You're never in it alone.

"Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return"

Remember that this gift of life is transient.
Take the time to reacquaint yourself with your center, the indwelling spirit of the living God.

Remember to take the time to pray.
Prayer is a relationship that you choose to build.

Remember that it's not all about me.

Remember who it is that you are called to be. A light. A witness. A window through which grace can shine.

Seek out quiet. It's only there that one can truly hear.

Listen.

Walk with me.