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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}