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Ashes.

Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.

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Today is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent -- a season dedicated to fasting and prayer leading up to Easter.

There are many Christian traditions and practices that accompany this time -- some being shared throughout the branches and denominations, some specific to their respective doers. The most common is fasting -- whether that be abstaining from food (on a certain day, or for the whole period of Lent), or giving up some other thing (a luxury or vice).

Whatever one may choose to practice, the focus should remain on the inner being. Acts of fasting and prayer should not be done purely for aesthetics or ritual, but to bring to one's understanding a dependency we all have of God for His provision. As Jesus was tested for forty-days in the wilderness, so we conform ourselves to that trial and suffering to look, be, and live like Him in this world.

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Just as Advent can be a somber time (a yearning and waiting for the coming of the Messiah) -- so too the season of Lent, which moves us towards the Cross, and thus sin, suffering, judgment, wrath, forsakenness, and finally death.

Yet, as we humble ourselves and move into this time of darkness, a light shines through. We walk the Calvary road so that we might witness the Sunday Resurrection.

Horizontal_ or Vertical| ?

Should Catholics hold hands at Mass?

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For those not familiar with the traditions and rituals inherent to the assembling of those of the Catholic faith, this article talks about some "freshness" sneaking in.

My favorite part of the article, that sparked some thoughts forthcoming, is:

[Parishioners] talk about whether the Mass should be a vertical or horizontal experience...horizontal, making the Mass increasingly about community and fellowship within the congregation...vertical [focusing] on the transcendent and divine.

To which I cannot help but say:

Both

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It seems to me, from what I understand of Scripture, that the fellowship of the saints was meant to incorporate both of these elements -- community and worship. While both can happen separately (privately), there is a corporate need for them as well.

What made a smile come across my face is the fact that, like it or not, it seems that the Church is becoming "one" again. There is a viral effect, it seems, with people being transplanted across the barriers once so strong.

Some Protestants are being moved towards Catholicism and are bringing with them the aspects of individuality/personality and community (not that this was previously lacking, of course). In the same vein, former Catholics are embracing Protestantism and incorporating the liturgical elements of worship.

I think it's wonderful. It's almost as if God is engaging in a little clever subterfuge.

Here's to unity!

Together.

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5 months ago this photo probably wouldn't have been as endearing to me. Life experiences, however, have changed me from a lonely, depressed, pessimistic loner to a man seeking after relationship, love, community, joy, and hope. For that, I thank God.

Being now on the other side of the fence (and thus, having been a part of both worlds), as well as -- for the moment -- experiencing a sort of "separation anxiety" from the one I care about, has given me quite the perspective.

I can now see why "happy" people are so elated.

In turn, I've tasted something good and can understand what "sad" people are missing (what I was longing for).

It draws a certain empathy from my heart. Gives me a yearning for others to experience this connection and the exuberance that results. I long for others to be whole.

I have realized that reconciliation comes through community. It is not always with a significant other, but it is never alone. There is a time for solitude -- but the breadth of life was meant to be experienced in tangent.

It has taken me twenty-three years (three of those, most specifically) to find my place in a community of people who love and value me. To build relationships that, in turn, build into me. Granted, it's not perfect -- and I personally cause my fair share of problems. But it's good...and for that I am thankful.

To those who might read this blog -- I urge you to connect. If you currently find yourself alone -- living life without some sort of camaraderie -- fight against that. Resist the urge to go deeper into yourself -- I've been there, and the results are disastrous.

Take small steps towards finding kinship. Whatever that looks like, move towards it. Don't force it. Be patient and try to enjoy it as it comes.

I can remember crying out to God three years ago for three specific points of relationship in my life. I am just now getting to the place where each of those three are truly building into something.

Of course, I am not guaranteed tomorrow (none of us are) -- but that will not stop me from enjoying the fruit of the day.

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{Photo via *Longbrake}
{If you enjoy his images, buy 'em!}

Unity?

Your sins are forgiven on account of Christ. If you believe, then you will be saved.

{John Halton, BHT}

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Is this something that we, regardless of denominational background or current disposition can come around? Can we unite as saints of the Faith and children of the Father under this declaration?

Can this be our word to the world?

Worthy.

Love is everything that it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.

{Erica Jong}
{Found via *Longbrake}

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What/Who do you love?

WHY?

Lenten Resources.

For those who are interested in participating in Lent this season, the following resources might be beneficial. May the Lord bless you on your journey!

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: A Slate article talks about the Protestant/Catholic division and "re-unification." A good read for those who are not necessarily well-versed on basic tradition and the separation that exists in regards to Lent.

: All About Lent is a nice introduction to the various particulars of Lent, with a plethora of resources.

: Praying Lent has a wealth of liturgical items for the six-week trek.

{All links found via Internet Monk}

Radiohead - In Rainbows.

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The band performs their entire new album. Simply spectacular.

{Note: Due to the length/file-size, it may take a while to load if you are not on a broadband connection}

Your Thoughts?

Erica Jong's quotes will be featured as part of two posts on this blog. I happened across one and enjoyed it, and found this second one later (after searching out who she was).

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.

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Do you agree with her conclusion?

Lighter.

I have been reading a lot of Cerulean Sanctum lately. It has become one of my favorite blogs because it challenges me and, while there have been times where that call to action has seemed difficult and frustrating, it has been a good experience to this point.

Today I came across this article and it got me thinking. I have been a proponent for the ascetic lifestyle, but often times my actions do not prove my convictions.

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What does it look like to live lighter?

Is it the same for all people, all situations?

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I feel the desire, and see the benefits, of living on less. The opening up of doors for charity. The ability to move quickly and easily if the Lord so desires. The freedom from worrying about and taking care of stuff.

In my own life, I need to discern how much is too much.

Maybe, more accurately, I need to figure out how much is enough.

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Is there anything, material or otherwise, that you can/should part with in your life?

Andrew Bird - Imitosis.

I'll be seeing this gentleman, along with Grizzly Bear, in April at the MusicNOW festival. Totally psyched.

Six Words, A Great Story Makes.

I read this article a while back, but I was recently reminded of it and thought it might be a fun "challenge" for anyone who happens across this post.

Hemingway once wrote a story in just six words ("For sale: baby shoes, never worn.") and is said to have called it his best work.

My request to you, dear reader -- is to post in the comments your six-word story.

Feel free to post as many as you want. (Note: I will edit/delete any inappropriate material).

I'll start us off:

His heart pounded quickly, then stopped.

Expelled.

This looks like it might be interesting. I saw a rather nebulous trailer on YouTube and followed the link to see a much more revealing, and interesting, video on the main site. I might check it out if it opens anywhere locally.

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I've been wanting to check out more documentaries/indie films as of late. Not that mainstream-Hollywood is incapable of satisfying my movie tastes...but, I've found a lot of truth, beauty, and enjoyment at the "art house" theatre we have in town.

Are there any low-budget, indie, or non-mainstream movies you're interested in seeing?

Example.

It is a common compliment to contemporary pastors that they are “just a regular person”. With all due respect, shouldn’t we admit what is really being endorsed? We do not want leaders who live the Christian life so seriously that they make us uncomfortable with their example, and challenge our lifestyles with their own.

{From Internet Monk}

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While I don't always agree with the assertion that we must always take radical/extreme steps in our Christian faith for our, or others', benefit -- I can agree that there exists few men and women who lead by example.

If Godly people are not stepping up to use their influence for good, what hope is there for future discipleship? Worse yet, if no such people even exist (in great numbers) one must wonder the state of the Church (in America, specifically).

Do you have anyone of influence over you -- who challenges you with their words and deeds?

Change It Up.

After the laugh from the last post, a quick punch-in-my-gut followed:

The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament.

{Soren Kierkegaard}

{Found via Cerulean Sanctum/The Thinklings}

Evangelism Linebacker.

I know it's a rip-off, but it's quite possibly one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. (And great production value, too!)

Thanks to BHT for the link.

Trees.

{Found via Chris Glass}

An honest review of trees -- pointing out their pros and cons.

I am, personally, for them.

Brian's Challenge.

Found a good article (via BHT) interviewing Brian McLaren on a plethora of topics. His answers are respectful, thought-out, and many times true and inspiring. I think, with such recent "controversies" involving the emerging church that it is important to speak with, and hear from, such people directly.

When talking about homosexuality, he said:

So what I'm advocating is for us, first, to acknowledge that good Christians disagree.

And I think this quote is expressive of any topic of discourse between Christians or non-believers. We have to realize that there are so many differing views and that they are often held by wise, mature, loving people committed to Jesus and His vision for the world.

In all of the recent arguments I've seen raised within the Christian community, the lack of personal respect for each other has been saddening.

Brian makes a good point when talking about relations with Muslims (that has wider appeal to all disagreements):

[W]hen we create stereotypes of people and when we are ready to call a person an enemy and have nothing to do with them, at that point we are being unfaithful to Jesus Christ.

Even if Brian McLaren is wrong in his beliefs, even if he is an enemy of Christ, we are admonished by Jesus' very words to show him love --

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. {Matthew 5:44-45}

And how did Jesus show love to His enemies?

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--if you continue in your faith... {Colossians 1:21-23a, emphasis mine}

Are we willing to love those who are different from us?

What does this love look like?

Monastic Dreams.

This article takes an honest look at the pros/cons and ups/downs of the New Monastic movement (probably made most famous by Shane Claiborne).

I think it's an important read because I continue to see Christians who are not wholly satisfied with their current experience of faith (in many facets) -- but I think we often have a naive idealism when it comes to breaking the norm.

Our spiritual growth and satisfaction might not come through the current circumstances, but rushing headlong into new adventures isn't necessarily a sure fix.

In all things, we must take steps of faith -- relying upon the Living God who still speaks to us, still guides us, still moves and grows us.

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This article also speaks to me personally because I just made a shift in my own living conditions -- becoming part of an apartment community (living in the same building as four other friends) and living with a roommate. Already, in the first few weeks, I have learned numerous lessons.

Potential is certainly there, but this -- like any new experience -- is not an appropriate avenue for everyone.

Make wise choices in where you live, with whom, and how you spend your resources and the benefits will greatly survive the challenges.

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Edit: For those living in Lexington and interested in communal-living, check out Communality. I was privileged to spend some time with them about a year-or-so ago and the experience was definitely inspiring and effectual.

Belief.

Seth Godin has a great post on judgment. His argument is that having perspective of a person's beliefs can help you deal effectively with conflict. He aims to explain a marketing position, but I think it translates just as well to personal relationships.

He says:

If I believed what you believe, I'd probably be acting exactly the same way you are right now.

Our beliefs, at their core, are really just dispositions to seeing something a certain way. If we better understand what other people believe, right or wrong, we have a chance to "put ourselves in their shoes."

Why is this perspective important? Seth goes on to say:

If I can help change what you believe, I bet I can change your actions as well.

We want our relationships to work. So, when conflicts arise -- generally always related to someone's belief about some thing -- our best interest is to alter a belief (in ourself, or the other person).

By putting ourselves in their position, we have a much greater chance of remaining patient, understanding the overall situation, and eventually effectively reaching our desired conclusion.