However, we must make the distinction from when we see ashes like this...
They are no longer a symbol of death, but a symbol of love, redemption, and most importantly life! Christ came into this world so that we might have life to the full. We die, and return to dust but with Christ we may be raised to new life. So today especially is a day to, “Repent, and hear the good news” so we can embark on our journey to the cross with lighter burdens and an open heart.
The next Forty Days
It took God Forty Days to blot out his creation during the great flood.
Forty days were given to embalm Jacob's body after his death.
For Forty Days, Moses was up Mount Sinai with God, not eating or drinking, whilst receiving the Ten Commandments.
Jesus was in the wilderness for Forty days, being tempted by Satan, whilst preparing for his ministry.
You could call this a coincidence but on looking a bit deeper I see that each of the references above to different parts of our bible, are incredibly relevant to our journey through Lent.
It is a season in which we repent for our wrong doings and start afresh, as we make our journey to the cross. Very much like the wiping away of the sinful during the great flood.
It is a season in which we preserve our love for God, defend our faith and grow closer to Him through constant prayer and sacrifice. We do not want our relationship with God to decay and so we make every effort to keep it alive, much like Joseph’s treatment of his father, Jacob's body.
It is a season in which we open our hearts to God’s message and allow him to teach us and guide us in our journey to him. We fast not to receive God’s Grace which he already freely gives, but to turn our attention away from ourselves and towards God who gives us much richer nourishment. Much like Moses, who was given the Ten Commandments and told to teach them to others, we aspire to spread the good news which we too receive from God.
As Christians, we constantly acknowledge how Jesus died to liberate us from sin and how he rose and opened a way to new life. Lent helps us to reflect on this paschal mystery and look forward to this new life. However, this is difficult. Our world is constantly telling us to do certain things, and be a certain way. To fully accept Christ we must first reject sin and everything that separates us from Our God. Much like Jesus who was trying to prepare whilst being tempted by Satan, we too must focus on not that which gives us a short burst of happiness but that which gives life itself… God.
How will you spend your forty days?
By Kirsty Lacey, 21.
Studying Theology at Nottingham University.
One of my fellow Diaconal students currently on the St Mary's College/St Johns Seminary course used, in a practice Ash Wednesday homily, something he'd heard elsewhere: that Lent is a reversal of time and causation ; you start with ash and end up with the Paschal flame ! God bless you. Brin Dunsire, High Wycombe
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