It begins with ashes

Today is Ash Wednesday. Growing up in the Episcopal Church, I knew this was the day to bow in humble prayer, receive ashes on my forehead to symbolize humility before God, and to give up something for Lent. On the church calendar, Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter (not counting Sundays); a time set aside for fasting, repenting, and reflecting on Christ’s suffering.

Although we fasted individually, the church gave up something corporately as well. Traditionally, purple linens (the color of royalty, but also of humility) covered the cross, no flowers adorned the sanctuary, and we refrained from speaking or singing any Hallelujahs in the service.

Anyone who has fasted for any length of time knows the joy of partaking when the fast is over. What a pleasure to arrive on Easter Sunday morning to witness the cross victoriously draped in white, festive lilies and tulips embellishing the sanctuary, and triumphant voices raised in song: Christ the Lord has Risen Today, Ha-lle-lu-jah!

Alas, this season of humility reminds us though, that death must come before the resurrection and the cross must come before the crown. Such is the season of Lent. It begins with ashes, but it ends with beauty. I may not have the opportunity to attend an Ash Wednesday service today, but I will spend the next 40 days giving up something to remind me of what Christ gave up for me.

Originally published here.