“WE ARE DUST AND TO DUST WE SHALL RETURN.”
They are the words we shared last night during our Ash Wednesday service. And once again I asked those who desired to have ashes imposed (liturgically it is the imposition of the ashes) to come forward. I am always taken by the image of imposing ashes upon parishioners, and then wonder, if I give you a choice, is it really an imposition?
But Lent is an imposition. Lent imposes on our lives and forces to think about things we would rather not think about. On Ash Wednesday, we think about our own mortality. We remember those who are no longer with us. This year I placed the ashes on the foreheads of some of our oldest members. I also placed them – at the parent’s request – on the forehead of a five month old. You are dust, and to dust you shall return. Lent is an imposition. . .as it reminds us that our days are numbered, and We are given a mere handful of days, and our span of life seems nothing in God’s sight.
Lent is an imposition. Lent imposes on our lives and demands we look at where we fall short – in our life, in our relationships with others, in our relationship with God. This year we asked the congregation to consider the societal sins in which we take part – wittingly or unwittingly – of which we need to repent. Indifference and inaction – violence – ignoring the struggles of others – greed, putting personal wants first – love of power – greed and thinking that we deserve more than our fair share. Lord, in your mercy – forgive our sins.
Lent is an imposition. It reminds us of how we have chosen to fill our hearts with that which is not God. Congregants were invited to note on paper hearts those things which they had placed in their hearts, which they had allowed to take place in their hearts in the space which is God’s. Outside influences – attitude – fear of leaving those I love & love me – pride, money, relationships – grudge - spite for (name) – too much fear – my steadfast selfishness – pain, loneliness – personal desires. Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Lent is an imposition. In the time of the year when the bulbs are beginning to break through, when the dry, drab lawn is beginning to change color, when trees are thinking about budding out, we, in the church, have to think about death – it is imposed on us. But it doesn’t stop there. Really we are thinking about the One who has power over death, who wants our hearts and our lives, who created us to live this life, here and now – and who has claimed us to live eternally at God’s great banquet.
Mortality, penitence, faith and hope. May Lent impose on your life. . .and may you discover a rich, fuller life of faith for the imposition.