Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Dear God,

On this holy Ash Wednesday I stand with you, remembering the gift of your life in Jesus.

This morning I will pilgrim my way to the monastery. I will sit with my spirit-life colleagues; we will light our candle, listen to the open word. We will probe the secrets of the universe as we share faith together. Then we will stand in line, waiting for the mark of the cross. And I will carry it all day long, remembering.

Today begins a new level of discipline. While today's mark will fade and disappear, the mark of the cross on my heart and soul I will still carry, humbly, for I am your servant.

Oh Lord,
such days
pierce my heart,
reminding me
of your gracious gift
and my own unworthiness.
Yet, I dare step forward,
lean in to the altar,
receive the mark,
feel its lines
etched in ash.
I am marked
as yours.

Love, Andrea