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As I was driving home in the midst of the storm, dark ash gray clouds raced across the sky to the front of me, and rainbows appeared. I made it home. The storm has passed, with more storms on the horizon. Somewhere a connection has failed and I am in the dark trying to write. Candlelight and flashlights illuminate my writing. My computer, which usually is glowing and busy, is silent. How soon we forget how much we rely on electricity and all of the gadgets and gizmos that use electrical energy.
The season of Lent arrives with Ash Wednesday. Ashes, made from burning the palms that waved triumphantly on Palm Sunday, are placed on our foreheads in the sign of a cross. A symbol of our mortality--the ash--is joined with the symbol of ultimate love and hope--the cross. We will do without this Lent. We will reflect on our life and how we can better ourselves.
As the readings in Lent begin we will be walking with Jesus. We will notice dark clouds gathering and feel a storm is on the way. We will want to stop and run away, but we will continue on with Jesus. Jesus knew without his death, there could be no resurrection. We, too, must die in order to live forever. Jesus leads the way and we must follow.
Father in Heaven,
the light of your truth bestows sight
to the darkness of sinful eyes.
May this season of repentance
bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness
and the gift of Your light.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL)
Have a good day!! Sally Oldham
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