Day 1: Ash Wednesday

     

           The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!"  The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.  When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?"   John 1:35-38a

           Lent is a time of spiritual introspection.  It’s a time to pause in the midst of a very busy life, a challenging world, and a searching faith.  Lent is a time just to pause and take some time to think and reflect on Jesus, his journey to the cross, his death and resurrection, and all that it means for our lives of faith.

            Ash Wednesday is a time to pause; not to look forward to Easter and all the things that lie ahead, but to take things a bit more slowly and reflect on ourselves, our lives of faith, and the decisions we’ve made.  Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance, and turning from where we’re going and turning toward God.  It’s been said that death is a way of telling us to slow down.  For Christians, Lent is the church’s way of telling us to slow down, to look at ourselves, and to reflect on the meaning of our lives and our faith.

            We begin this transformative personal journey through Lent with the first words that Jesus speaks in the Gospel of John.  Interestingly, Jesus’ first words are not “Follow me.”  Nor are they, “I am the Bread of Life.”  Jesus’ first words in the Gospel of John come in the form of a question:  “What are you looking for?”

            It’s a deep, searching question.  What are you looking for as you begin this journey through Lent?  How would you like this Lent to be different or even more meaningful from previous Lents?  What are you looking for?  It’s the same kind of searching question as the first question God asks in Genesis 3.  God knew they were hiding, and still God asked, “Where are you?”  (Genesis 3:9).

            If you receive the Imposition of Ashes this day and are reminded that you are dust, and to dust you shall return, be reminded on your own frailty and your utter dependence on God for life.  Consider the cleansing and renewal that you need in areas of your life.  And as the sign of the cross is made on your forehead, remind yourself what you are truly looking for; a deeper relationship with a living and loving God who, through Jesus, is looking for you.

Questions to Ponder

•  What is it that you are looking for as you begin this journey through Lent?  What do you want this year that’s different from previous years?
• Did you, or will you receive the Imposition of Ashes this Ash Wednesday?  What kind of experience was that?  How long did you leave the ashes on your forehead?
• If you were to describe what repentance means to an unbelieving friend, how would you describe it?

Prayer for Today:  Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent.  Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgives through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Listen to the questions in this song that connects Christmas to Lent. 

And to the answer.

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