Ash Wednesday

"Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen" (from The Book of Common Prayer)

Today at the start of Lent, many Christians worldwide will receive ashes in the sign of the cross on their foreheads. I will not, as my schedule is full and I will not attend a formal service today. But on my own I am contemplating this Christian ritual and symbol, and for me it is not a fearful reminder of failure and death, but a joyful, positive reminder of my inheritance with Christ. Ash Wednesday is a reminder to me of grace, not works. I am free because, "God is able to keep me from falling, and to make me stand in his presence blameless with great joy." (Jude 24).

I am all too aware of how I continually fall short of the glory of God. And that is why Jude 24 is my life scripture. In faith, I give myself to God, and He works in me and through me and for me. He keeps me. "In my integrity (faith) you hold me fast, and shall set me before your face for ever." (Psalm 41:12)