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LENT: GIVE IT UP - OR ADD TO IT?
In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord Jesus talks about the so-called “Lenten practices” of Prayer, Alms-Giving and Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus advises that when fasting (or whatever your religious observance), you should not look somber like the hypocrites, but instead anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but known only to God. As a pastor, this teaching (the assigned lectionary reading for Ash Wednesday) always gives me pause regarding  our traditionally imposed ashes. It’s kind of hard to avoid making such an obvious addition to our foreheads known to neighbors. Perhaps the balance is don’t head out for your shopping after being so marked - until you’ve washed. On the other side of the coin, the somber reminder that "Dust you are, and to dust you shall return,” is always a vivid reminder - even for our children to note. Youthfulness sometimes gets confused with indestructibility. Ashes are an apt (and biblical) reminder of our mortality. While we’re at it, another Lenten “snag” sometimes is “do I give up chocolate, or add 5 minutes of prayer to the start of my next 40 days?” The catch in that loaded question is to make it about yourself, either way, and lose our focus on our Lord’s ultimate sacrifice, which is truly worth pondering. The paradox in all this is that the Lord Jesus did all His suffering, dying and rising for you, anyway! You are His focus in Lent. He looks after us better than we could ever do ourselves. Remember that this Lent, and you will be best blessed!
Blessedl Lent to you, indeed,  Pastor  Mike

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