ash wednesday for the rest of us

(yep, it's this week)

We have no language for what we seek, yet we are here. Seeking it.

We are penitents in a row, asking for absolution. Asking to not meet ourselves when we walk out those doors. Asking to meet someone, anyone, new.

Forgive us, o God, for losing hope.

Forgive God, o self, for allowing it.

We line up with the masses; standing before and behind those we do not know and whose lives we cannot read, certain of finding no burden in such golden books.

Forgive us, o God, for our egocentrism.

Forgive us, o siblings, for our judgment.

From dust you came and from dust you shall return, the kindly woman whispers as she dips her finger into the black. But we already know that; already know what it is to watch ourselves fade and disband, cells smattering across books and potted plants and bowls of tomato soup – anywhere more hospitable than this lusterless skin.

Forgive us, o God, for begrudging life.

Forgive self, o soul, for tiring out.

We are smudged across the forehead with death, with the remnants of what once lived, verdant and lush.

Hildegard called for viriditas but there is no greening in our souls. There is only empty space.

Empty space to mark with ash.

Empty space for the sign of the cross, the sign of mortality and suffering and resistance against empire; the sign of friendship and betrayal and loneliness and want; the sign of love; the sign of one who has not yet given up.

The sign of one who has not yet given up.

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Nontraditional Lenten Practices

Look, we all know I’m not the source to turn to for pious liturgical practices. I tried that for awhile, and it’s just not me. But I do find wisdom and balance in the liturgical calendar and feel its helpful to adhere to in a way that feels authentic and life-giving for my particular makeup. So if you’re like me and need something a little “outside the Lenten box,” consider yourself invited to join me in giving these a go:

Lent meditation cards available from Reliquary Supply

Daily time of “morning pages” i.e. a writing free-for-all

Daily nature walk for you city folk, maybe its a weekly goal

Candle watching literally just sit in the dark and watch a candle burn

Body awareness in stillness, notice what your body is feeling. listen, affirm, and honor.

Wild Hope book of daily ecological reflections for Lent

And if you want a simple daily reflection delivered to your email, consider signing up for Ignatian Solidarity Network’s Lent series. I am proud to be among the contributors, who so beautifully represent the faith-in-action that I believe in.

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May these 40 days be a time of rest and renewal for each one of us. May it be less about becoming perfect and more about becoming whole. May we take our cue from the natural world and use this time to store up nutrients for future growth.

There is nothing to prove. We are only here to be.

- Shannon