Dear Congregation,
It was good to begin the season of Lent with you this past Ash Wednesday in our Garden Chapel, whether in-person or on Facebook. I’m sure we’ll remember in years to come the far-from-usual way the imposition of ashes took place due to pandemic precautions. Each person present in the Garden Chapel was given a small amount of ashes in a bright green paper cupcake liner. They were then invited to make the sign of the cross with the ashes on their own forehead, as I stood before them saying the words, “Dust you are and to dust you will return.” These words and the symbolism of the ashes reminding us of the brevity of life were the same as in years past, but for me, at least, took on new poignancy in this time of Covid-19.
Life is vastly different in Lent 2021 as we continue with pandemic precautions. Our mortality has certainly been made very real to us since Covid-19 struck just about a year ago. But it is not death that the ashes are meant to remind us of, but of the brevity of life. We are called to make our time-limited days count, repenting from mistakes we’ve made, then using our one precious life to love and to serve others as followers of Christ. In that there will be more happiness for others. It’s never too late!
Perhaps cupcake liners were a more appropriate container than I realized to hold those ashes. We associate cupcakes with celebrations and birthday parties, joyous times. Could it be that having been reminded by the ashes that life has a beginning and an end, we will be more intentional about doing what we can to help others have more joy in their lives?
I look forward to traveling this Lenten journey with you. May God bless you and keep you safe.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Candy
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