We are approaching the season of Lent. Traditionally, it has been a time of penance, which has meant we have focused on our sinfulness and need to repent. Its beginning is marked with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday and concludes liturgically with the absolution on Maundy Thursday, but emotionally on Easter.
Lent, however, is more than a time of self-examination of our sin. It is also to be a time of renewal. The central focus is baptism, sin to forgiveness, death to life. Through our baptism, we are able to look at ourselves the way we truly are, both the good and the bad. Through our baptism, we are able to confront our sinfulness not out of our own strength and courage, but out of the promise of the gospel. Through our baptism, we are able to recognize our sin and own it in the knowledge that we are loved by God, forgiven by God, and claimed by God’s grace. We can acknowledge our sinful life in order to be led into newness of life.
When we mark our foreheads with ashes this Ash Wednesday, we remember that ashes are the ancient symbol of sin, judgment and frailty. However, ashes are also an ancient symbol of cleansing and renewal. It is those two elements, our sinfulness and God’s grace through Christ, that we hold in tension as we make the journey through Lent to the good news of Easter.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
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