March 6, 2019

Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,

I was asked a few weeks ago if I intended to do a Lenten Devotional as I have in previous years. My initial reaction was non-committal at best. After all, there is so much going on personally and professionally. The time, energy, and focus required to write critically and to reflect spiritually along with the vulnerability of sharing did not appear inviting to me at all. Then again yesterday, a staff member inquired, “Pastor Jackie, are you giving up Starbucks this year?” She shared she was going to try and give up profanity but made me no promises. We all laughed and continued our work. But her inquiry stayed with me. I have learned throughout my faith journey that God often speaks in unconventional ways, and my task is to stay attuned and responsive to God's voice. So, I write.

Today is Ash Wednesday, and countless Christians across the world will fill churches and cathedrals for the imposition of ashes. While historically not a Protestant tradition, it does mark the beginning of the season of Lent. 40 days (excluding Sundays) of intentional prayer, self-reflection, and self-denial as spiritual preparation to commemorate the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When considering what I would give up this Lenten season, the words of the prophet Isaiah convicted me. The Lord asked the people in verses 5-7 of the 58th chapter:

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Merciful God! What a reminder that what matters most to God is not whether we give up coffee, chocolate or media, but how we treat those we are called to be in relationship with. 1 John 4:20-21 says it like this, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” Well, there it is. The journey is all about relationship, right relationship, relationships characterized by LOVE. Not my understanding of love, but the love that caused God to give His only begotten Son that my faith in Christ might lead to eternal life. So today, this Baptist preacher will find a Catholic Church for the imposition of ashes.

Ashes: a sign of repentance, grief and mourning. Ashes, because God's definition of love and mine are not always in sync or in practice. I am not always patient; I have not always been kind; sometimes I am envious and sometimes I want to boast. Sometimes I struggle with pride and in doing so dishonor others. Sometimes I struggle with not being self-seeking. Sometimes I am easily angered, and I want to keep a record of wrongs, a long one. But God's Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Today, I will go get ashes as a reminder that despite all the achievements and accolades – when I hold myself up to God’s standard, I am but DUST and ASHES. From dust I have come and to dust I shall return. Perhaps I am alone in this, but I need this Lenten Journey. If you are in need of spiritual focus as well, I invite you to join me for the next six weeks as some of our amazing Clergy lead us closer to Calvary! It's Ash Wednesday - Let's Go!

Blessings to you!

Reverend Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor