Thursday, February 7, 2008

Dearest God,

We had gathered for a simple meal of soup and bread. We had come together to remember One whose life has entered our souls. We had come to celebrate, to participate in Ash Wednesday, the first day of a new beginning.

Following the simple meal, we had eaten the holy meal, the divine presence of Christ. In that meal the life of Christ was made real; he came alive in us as we made our way our pilgrimage to the sanctuary.

Ashes awaited us, burned palms from a year ago. Symbols of celebration when we were glad to welcome Jesus into our lives. Days later a crucificixion. Now a year later, Ash Wednesday.

I look at my life and wonder. Where have I welcomed Jesus in? Where have I crucified? And why? And what does it mean a year later to wear the mark of the cross? What is different? The same? Where do I need to change this Lent? There is so much about me that you want to transform. Make me willing. I want to be a new creation for Easter.

I wear

your cross

on my forehead.

I bear

your mark

on my heart.

I carry

your cross

in my pocket.

Can I

truly walk

with you

this season?

Love, Andrea