Yesterday, I made the mistake of running into CVS for a “quick” stop to pick up a few items. My first clue should have been the packed parking lot. Then, I entered and found myself winding my way around an absurd number of people crowded in the aisles. When I glanced over to the check-out area, I saw a ridiculously long line of folks there as well. One of the store workers was standing nearby, so I said to her, “Wow! You all are so busy today. What’s going on?” She replied to me, like it should have been obvious, “It’s the day before Valentine’s Day. This is what it’s always like.” Sure enough, as I looked back around, the story made more sense: People were crowding around the cards, the candy, even the flowers (did you know you can buy Valentine’s Day roses at CVS?). They all had somewhat-frantic looks on their faces. One guy over at the flowers looked completely lost. He turned to me and asked, “What do all these different colors of roses mean? Which one am I supposed to get?” I told him I have no idea about the meaning of rose colors, but I was pretty sure he couldn’t go wrong with red. Relieved, he grabbed his bouquet and headed to check out.
I wasn’t there for anything related to the holiday. I just needed a few (everyday) items. Everyone else, though? They were there because they needed to be prepared for today. In a strange confluence of secular and sacred calendars, today is not only Valentine’s Day but also Ash Wednesday. And I wonder….. are we equally as concerned about being prepared for Ash Wednesday? This is the start of the holy season of Lent, a season set aside for self-examination, repentance, fasting, and preparation for Easter. Even though it may feel overshadowed by heart candy and roses, this “other holiday” today matters — we need this ritual of Ash Wednesday to bring us into Lent and remind us what it’s all about.
I’m guessing none of us were frantically shopping for Ash Wednesday cards last night, but here’s the Good News: You don’t need anything special for this holiday. Just show up. Come and worship, receive the sign of ashes, and begin this Lenten season with intention.
O God, maker of every thing and judge of all that you have made, from the dust of the earth you have formed us and from the dust of death you would raise us up. By the redemptive power of the cross, create in us clean hearts and put within us a new spirit, that we may repent of our sins and lead lives worth of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (prayer from The United Methodist Hymnal, #353)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Mary
Join us this Sunday at 10.30 a.m. onsite or via live stream
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.