Today is the first day of Lent 2013. �Another season of repentance and returning to the Lord has come. �And with that comes ashes. �Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. �The priest says this as the sign of the cross is made out of ashes on the forehead of those who desire to receive. �I went to Tulsa University Campus this morning to offer Ashes to Go. �This small liturgical movement started a couple of years ago in different places around the country. �The main idea: �bring this practice out to the people. �
I like the idea. �I like it because for those of us within liturgical traditions, much of what we find moving and beautiful is cloistered, within the walls of often intimidating physical structures. �I want to share a bit of that mystery and beauty with those who might never walk in. �I like it because it was out in the open, not in secret. �I was reminded by a friend who is outside of our tradition the absolute necessity for this. �The first time he saw the smudge of ashes on a forehead, he felt compelled to let the person know. �It led to an embarrassing moment for him and for the person with the smudged forehead. �
I was joined this morning by another priest, Blake Woods, from another Tulsa Episcopal Church. �I wore a purple cope over my cassock and surplice. �He wore alb and stole. �We stood near the library on campus and handed out fliers and offered ashes. �We had some takers. �
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