Ash Wednesday

The season of Lent is a time when many people give up  something.  It is often something we eat or drink like chocolate or candy, or beer or soft drinks.  Some people give up things like going to the movies or some other pleasurable activity, perhaps a skiing trip.

Then, there are other people who like to take something on for Lent. something they do not always do in their normal routine.  It might be volunteering at a food bank or a soup kitchen, or donating blood at the local blood bank.

Still others see Lent as a spiritual journey, attending church services more regularly, reading the Bible faithfully every day, or spending a designated time in reflection or meditation.

The Rev. Ann Fontaine, a priest in the Diocese of Wyoming, and author of the book, “Streams of Mercy” has said:

“When we think of the words of Ash Wednesday – ‘remember you are dust and to dust you shall return’ - remember that scientists have learned that we are of the same dust as stars - so remember also you are stardust and to stardust you shall return.”

Ann Fontaine then shares a way of keeping Lent that improves her relationships with others, the planet, herself and God.  She elaborates on a quotation from a former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Arthur Lichtenberger, whom I knew when I was in seminary.  Bishop Lichtenberger focused on a distinction between fasting and feasting.  Lent as a time for taking something on is a time for fasting and feasting:

Fast from judgment, Feast on compassion
Fast from greed, Feast on sharing
Fast from scarcity, Feast on abundance
Fast from fear, Feast on peace
Fast from lies, Feast on truth
Fast from gossip, Feast on praise
Fast from anxiety, Feast on patience
Fast from evil, Feast on kindness
Fast from apathy, Feast on engagement
Fast from discontent, Feast on gratitude
Fast from noise, Feast on silence
Fast from discouragement, Feast on hope
Fast from hatred, Feast on love

What will be your fast this year? What will be your feast?  In whatever you choose may your Lent be a blessing and a renewed relationship with others, the planet, yourself, and God.  Amen.