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.
We also spoke to one or two who were searching for God in different ways. One who didn't know much about Christianity, at all. One who needed to find guidance and read our material before coming back to ask for ashes. He said, "I am ready now." Several others were glad to get their ashes on the spot. And quite a number said they had plans to go that evening to get theirs at church.
Evangelism takes many forms. Wearing a cope and with frozen hands placing ashes on foreheads is just one way. Finding the words to say and the courage to invite may seem daunting. But, really, all we are doing is opening the door. Starting a conversation. What is this season of Lent all about, anyway? Is it really just about giving up chocolate? I think it can be so much more. Easter is coming. We celebrate Jesus who stretched out his arms upon the hard wood of the cross so that we all might come within the reach of his saving embrace. How wide open are our arms? How easily does the invitation to follow Jesus come to our lips?
Lenten Discipline idea #1: You have 40 days and 5 Sundays. Invite someone to church for Easter.