In our Anglican Liturgical calendar we are blessed with these wonderful times of reflection on our faith throughout the year. Traditionally during the season of Lent we spend the 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday, fasting, healing and anticipating the Great celebrations of Holy Week and Easter. This year in my own journey of Lent I have embraced the traditions of our church and taken the time to participate in the Ash Wednesday service, Good Friday, Palm Sunday (where I had the pleasure of teaching Godly Play), and of course Easter Sunday. I also followed a wonderful program that released teachings for each week of lent: The way of Ignatius: A Prayer Journey through Lent from the pray as you go app (https://pray-as-you-go.org/retreat/lent-retreat-2019-the-way-of-ignatius-loyola).
Here is my first reflection of my Lenten Journey that I hope may offer some inspiration for you:Ash Wednesday: Before receiving the Ashes during the Wednesday Service the priest says the following words:
“Blessed are you God of all creation. You are eternal, we are mortal, formed from the dust of the earth. As we receive these ashes, make them a sign for us of repentance and returning to you. Breathe into us again the breath of life. Blessed be God forever.”
Following this as we receive the ashes we are told, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Think about that for a moment. God is eternal, we are mortal, formed from dust, to which we will return. We depend on God for the breath of life, how does knowing that affect your daily life?
Ash Wednesday is the day the season starts. Come back next week to read about my experiences of the next 40 days.
Blessings,
Dannielle Barry
