Our lives are finite; ashes to ashes
All of us will die; dust to dust
Today, Christians around the world receive the mark of ashes as a sign of repentance and a reminder of our humanity. This is the ritual that starts the season of Lent, the 40-day journey to Holy Week and Easter.
The liturgical calendar, the rituals, celebrations and seasons of the life of the church, remind us that the way people of faith keep time is not the same as the world. For Christians, the focus of our lives isn’t to be on productivity, maximization, hustle and hurry. But believers commit to the slow work of transformation, going deeper, making space, slowing down.
The ancient words from the prophet Joel invite us to this practice:
“Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord your God for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from punishment.” (Joel 2:12-13)
And so today we begin an intentional time of confession, listening and reflection.
- In what area of your life do you need to return to God?
- What are you mourning?
- Where do you need to receive God’s grace and mercy?
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
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