There’s a confusing irony about the Gospel we read on Ash Wednesday. Before we receive ashes as a reminder of our mortality and penitence, we hear Jesus warning against practicing our piety before others. What could be more public than having an ashen cross on your forehead?
This year, I came across an article suggesting it might be appropriate to wash them off before going on with the rest of your day–something that never crossed my mind as appropriate, let alone advisable.
No, I didn’t hurt myself running with Scooby again, but I am feeling once bitten, twice shy now that I realize how quickly things can go awry.
I had vowed off Scooby miles “for a while” but then Monday morning came, and it seemed so inefficient to take him for a walk and then go out again for a run.
A few weeks ago, all of the Bible readings we heard in church were exactly what I needed to hear at the time. I know I should be able to “hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people” every week, but the readings resonate more some weeks than others.
Ever since 9/11, Psalm 37 has held a special place in my spiritual library. As I did that day, I tend to turn to it when I am anxious that “evil men” appear to be succeeding in their”wicked schemes.” But this time, it was other words that caught my attention–words that seemed to outline a perfect intention for Lent.
The highlight of my week came when my physical therapist asked me how many miles I was going to run this weekend. She quickly retracted the question and gave me her advice, but the good news is that we both thought my ankle was ready for running again.
I didn’t start the week feeling so optimistic, but it’s amazing what a bit more time and a few more days off can do. It’s also telling that my ankle started feeling good exactly 2 weeks after I injured it. If I knew then that’s what it would take, would I have stressed less about taking time off?
I don’t know when I fell in love with Ash Wednesday, but it is by far my favorite day in the church calendar. I could listen to the liturgy and readings over and over–and sometimes do throughout the rest of Lent.
Many people think only Catholics observe Lent, but Episcopalians and other Protestant denominations also observe Ash Wednesday, Lent, and the holy days in the week leading up to Easter.
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