Ashes

I love to sit next to the fireplace. I enjoy the sound of the cracking of the wood and the comfort of the warmth. There is a calmness that comes with the flames. After the fire has disappeared, all that is left are smoldering, dark and dirty ashes. The ashes, however, that follow the burning flames actually seem restful and peaceful.

Ash Wednesday is the day when we are crossed with ashes on our foreheads to remember that we came from the dust of the earth, and we will return to the earth as dust when we die. Ashes represent the soot of our lives, the dirtiness and filth that comes with being sinful creatures. However, the ashes can be a symbol of the past and of our renewal. Jesus refines us through the fire of life, creating something new in our hearts. The ashes of our lives can be a reminder of where we come from and what we have been through, showing us the renewal of who we were. In Jason Gray's song, Nothing is Wasted, there is a line that goes along with this theme: “from the ruins, from the ashes, beauty will rise, from the wreckage, from the darkness, glory will shine.”

Renewing aspects of our lives can be an incredible and enlightening experience. It helps us to reflect on the past, vision for the future, and grow in the present. On March 4-6, the Cathedral welcomes the organization of Ministry Architects. This ministry is devoted to assisting churches find an even clearer direction and success as their team guides churches to reaffirm their past and to continue to rejuvenate their future.

As we take our first steps into Lent, take time to reflect on your life, your family, your friends, and the Cathedral and its community. Push the pause button in your life to vision for the future and start to look forward to all that is in store as we are being renewed through the Refiner’s fire.