Wednesday, February 15, 2015
Ash Wednesday
Amos 5:6-15
Today there may be a moment when you will feel the cool ash placed in the shape of the Cross on your forehead. So the Season of Lent 2015 begins.
You have made a choice to be reminded of the frailty and uncertainty of human life. You have made a choice to begin your personal observance of the Season of Lent 2015 with an ancient sign of penitence. You have made a choice to move into the days ahead responding to the call of the Prophet Amos with a personal desire to choose good and not evil.
The gentle reminder of the ash upon your forehead may get wiped off immediately and washed down the drain. Some people choose to wear their ashes to make a statement and to let those around them know that as a follower of Jesus, part of this day has been given over to a time of worship and a time of commitment.
In different parts of our global village there are people of faith, just like you, whose identity as a follower of Jesus puts them into the front lines of violence. The voice of the Prophet Amos rings through the ages. “Hate evil and love good, establish justice…” These are choices in life which do not always lead to greater levels of popularity or safety. These choices may also lead to suffering or death.
When we look beyond our own lives or even the life of our community of faith we see a world which needs to have individuals step forward and declare their commitment to the love which Jesus would have us proclaim. It is through us that the unjust structures of society will be transformed. It is through us that every kind of violence will be challenged. It is through each and everyone of us, through our own words and actions, that peace and reconciliation will be pursued.
Let each one of us individually, and all of us collectively respond to the call of the Prophet Amos and, "Seek the Lord and live…”
- The Reverend Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt
Rector
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