Ash Wednesday

Cross at dawn, Camp Lakeview, IN
10/9/2011 dwm photo

The seasons of the church year and its traditions have changed a great deal because of the Covid-19 virus.  Churches who continue to meet are (hopefully) taking extra precautions in not only seating parishioners but also in how they participate in the service.

Today is Ash Wednesday.  Because of the virus and its impact, the service recognizing the beginning of Lent last year was the last big day of the church year where we gathered with our brothers and sisters in Christ without restriction.

We'll be participating in an Ash Wednesday service virtually this year.  While I was growing up the ashes were virtual because it wasn't a widely held tradition in the Lutheran church at that time.

When ashes are administered the Pastor says, "From dust you came and to dust you will return."

The dust signifies death and repentance setting the tone for a season of somber reflection.

The forty days are a quiet observance and contemplation before the celebration and victory of Easter.

Virtual participation is appropriate for Lent.  We recognize our circumstance, realizing we are powerless to do anything about it.  We witness virtually through the Bible the plan of salvation and how it was delivered for us through Jesus' life, suffering, death on the cross, and resurrection to defeat sin and death on our behalf.  

The celebration is coming, and it's worth the wait.