Ashes and Authenticity:A Reformed Look at Ash Wednesday
It's that time of year again. Nativity scenes are packed away. Last year’s palm branches gather dust. For some, these are replaced by the somber symbol of Ash Wednesday. As a Reformed Christian this can be a tricky territory. Should we embrace the ashes, or see them as an unnecessary ritual from another tradition?
Let's be honest, some Reformed concerns about Ash Wednesday are valid. Historically, the season of Lent became cluttered with excessive practices and superstitious beliefs, focusing on works righteousness rather than grace. We wisely rejected those distortions.
However, dismissing the entire concept of Ash Wednesday throws the baby out with the bathwater. Let's explore why there might be value in engaging with this tradition:
1. Ashes and Authenticity:
The Bible is filled with imagery of ashes as a symbol of repentance and humility (Job 42:6, Jonah 3:6). Receiving ashes isn't about magic or earning forgiveness; it's a tangible reminder of our fallenness and dependence on God's grace. In a world obsessed with image and achievement, acknowledging our "dust and ashes" nature can be a profoundly authentic act of worship.
2. A Season for Focused Reflection:
The forty-day season of Lent, while not mandated by Scripture, offers a dedicated time for deeper reflection and spiritual disciplines. Whether it's fasting, prayer, or simply giving up a distraction, this intentional focus can nurture repentance and prepare our hearts for Easter. Remember, the core themes of Lent – repentance, self-denial, and renewal – are deeply biblical and resonate with the Reformed emphasis on God's sovereign grace changing our lives.
3. Freedom and Flexibility:
The beauty of being Reformed is our emphasis on Scripture as our ultimate authority. We don't need to copy-paste the traditions of other traditions. Instead, we can engage with Ash Wednesday, Lent, or any other practice critically and thoughtfully, adapting it to align with our core principles. Maybe ashes resonate with you; maybe focusing on a different Scripture passage during the forty days works better. The key is to approach it with authenticity and discernment.
4. Fostering Unity in Christ:
While we have distinct theological traditions, Christians share the core belief in Jesus Christ's saving sacrifice. Understanding the meaning of Ash Wednesday shows solidarity with our brothers and sisters in other traditions who value this practice. This doesn't require compromising our beliefs; it demonstrates respect and fosters unity in Christ.
Remember, Ash Wednesday is just one day. While our church doesn’t put ashes on people’s foreheads, the important thing is to cultivate a heart of constant repentance, humility, and dependence on God's grace. May this season, for each of us, be a time of genuine reflection and spiritual renewal, leading us closer to the joy of Easter.
What are your thoughts? As a Reformed Christian, how do you approach Ash Wednesday and Lent? Let me know how you’ve b
