Today is Ash Wednesday, a wonderful yet much misunderstood day on the Christian Calendar.
The ashes, made from palm leaves, are used to mark the forehead, with the words, "From the Earth you have come, and to the Earth you shall return." This reminds us that life has a beginning and an end. Because we will not be here forever, its important to set aside time to contemplate our lives, to think about what is distracting us and keeping us from appreciating the gift of life.
The period of Lent has gotten the reputation of being a period of punishment. This designation interferes with spirituality, since punishment is, itself, a distraction. Guilt and shame are useful emotions in so much as they help us to examine where our behavior is hurting others; they are no longer useful when they dominate our spiritual practice.
Take some time today and for the next six weeks to think about what is keeping you from your spiritual practice. What do you need to live your life in its fullness, body, mind, and soul?
Then, create for yourself a realistic goal. You wouldn't run five miles the first day you start an excersize routine, for instance. So, start with something you can and will do. Write it down, and put it in a place where you'll see it. And finally, let someone you know and love know about your goal and the steps you are taking to reach it. Get some support for yourself, and share your support with someone else.
Finally, join a community of people who are on a spiritual journey. We are not perfect, but we are much better in a group than we are by ourselves!
We at First Church Los Angeles invite you to join us on our journey. We meet each Sunday at 10am, at Villa Flores Multipurpose room, 1020 S Flower St., Los Angeles CA 90015. We are an intercultural, lively, and very loving group. We eagerly await your contribution to our community!
Lent is the PERFECT time to start coming to church!
Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly things:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
