An Ash Wednesday Sermon

This is the sermon that I offered at both Ash Wednesday services at St. John's Episcopal Church in Dubuque, Iowa. The scripture readings were Joel 2:1-2,12-17, Psalm 103, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, and Matthew 6:1-6,16-21,

Image result for ash wednesday

The late poet Mary Oliver wrote a poem titled,  “The real prayers are not the words, but the attention that comes first.” The poem itself describes the flight of a hawk that is watching, flying, and suddenly diving, coming up with its lunchtime feast. The life of a hawk is one of uncertainty, measured in length by the number of successful lunchtime dives. The details of its life are known to it and to its Creator, but not necessarily to anyone else.
I appreciate the detail that Mary Oliver was able to convey in the title of her piece.  It seems to summarize the words of Jesus in regards to the annual spring cleaning known as Lent. It’s not enough to just engage in fasting, or in almsgiving, or in prayer; rather, part of the process is the mental preparation that will shift our actions from showmanship to authenticity, to authentic prayer that is designed to be between us and God.
Perhap you are a planner.  You’ve used the Lenten planner that was in the bulletin and you’ve got a strategy that you believe will give you a successful Lent.  On the other hand, perhaps you are a spur-of-the-moment person, waiting for some type of Sign that comes from the heavens to inspire you to a Lenten practice. Either way can work, but the time for preparation, for attention to detail, starts now with the ashes on our forehead.
On this journey of Lent, know that you are not involved in a reclusive, isolated solitary journey.  But instead know that you are members of the family of God and that as you reach out to God, God in turn reaches back to you.
There’s a part of the service here at St. John’s each Sunday that I particularly like.  It happens when Father Kevin asks for those with birthdays or anniversaries to come forward, and he prays, the beginning of the prayer is:  “Oh God, our times are in Your Hands.”  
This Lent, during these forty days, what will we do with the time that God has given us?  What will you do with the time that God has given you? What are we preparing to do as we work to strengthen our awareness of God’s Presence in our lives?  What are you preparing to do as you work to strengthen God’s Presence in your life?

It’s forty days, it begins now, God is waiting to be with each and every one of us on this journey.  We just have to step out and start walking. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Twenty Years of Wedded Bliss (ok, sometimes it wasn't blissful...)

Image
On August 13, 1988 in West Bend, Iowa, two young idealistic people got married. Now, twenty years later, they have been through ups and downs, the births of five beautiful children, the grief of losing parents, dreams realized, and dreams not realized. Through it all they stayed together which sometimes was very hard but it all was worth it. Marriage isn't just about love; it is about commitment. When I see friends and family that have gotten divorced I feel very sad because they don't have the special bond that my wife and I have. Maybe they never had a bond like we have and that is the reason for the couple going separate ways. I pray for all couples, that they have the bond that true love and commitment gives them and that it will endure always.
Read more

In Loving Memory

Image
In loving memory of Beth Patterson Beth is the oldest daughter of a dear friend. She was a light to all that knew her. I am positive that Beth is now listening to the choirs of angels in heaven. Below is her obituary. Beth Marie Patterson, 24, of Elkader, died Sunday, April 26, 2009, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader following a sudden illness. She was born October 4, 1984, at the Delaware County Hospital in Manchester to Brien and Brenda (Rosburg) Patterson. Beth was baptized March 27, 1986, at the Wadena Presbyterian Church and confirmed at the United Methodist Church. She was raised in Wadena (from 1984 through 1996) and Strawberry Point (1997 through 2003); attended Valley and Starmont Schools and graduated from Starmont Community Schools in 2003. Beth was in 4-H for nine years and served on county council for three years and Area Council two years. She was a member of Valley Superiors 4-H Club in Wadena. In 2002, Beth received senior 4-H Volunteer Award. She was a de...
Read more

Uncle Bob: Rest In Peace, Rise In Glory

Image
Bob Martin, July 15, 1939 - May 10, 2010 Uncle Bob died yesterday, he was a great guy who loved his family and the things he valued in life, namely fishing and nearly all organized sports. The first time I met him was when I was dating my lovely wife, we were at their house and he came in from a softball game, he looked at me and said, "Who are you?" I introduced myself and he then asked me if I wanted a Pepsi. I became friends with him and over the years went to various sports events with him as well as watching auto races, football and basketball games with him on the television. After he retired (he worked for Pepsi as a vending machine repairman) he started fishing. It was great to go out with him on his boat and catch a fish or two. More importantly, Uncle Bob became like a second dad to my wife after her father died. She was able to get to the hospital just before Bob passed away. My lovely wife is mourning but does know that he is in a better place and not in pa...
Read more