Readings for Ash Wednesday:
Joel 2:1-17; Mt. 6:1-21; Psalm 51
2/21/07
The Rev. Karen Faye Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino, CA
“Return to the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” [Joel 2]
Just say NO! That is what the media slogans tell us when we are tempted to engage in unhealthy behavior. Say no to drugs, alcohol, unsafe sex, gambling, gang behavior, etc. It’s not a bad slogan. It is simple, direct, and to the point. So what’s the problem? Why don’t people just say no? Unfortunately, if it were easy to just say no, more people would be doing just that. After all, who among us truly wants to destroy ourselves or others?
All of us are living under spheres of influence that keep us in bondage to destructive patterns of behavior that hurt ourselves and others. We call this bondage of destructive patterns of behavior SIN with a capital S. One of the purposes of the religious life, is to access the way, the truth, and the power that can release us from this bondage that keeps us from experiencing the light. What are those spheres of influence?
- First there is the biological sphere of influence, genetic predispositions that can lead to cravings, addictions, obesity, and sadness. Without due diligence, these genetic predispositions can lead us down a very rocky path.
- Next there are family patterns of behavior that are handed down from one generation to another. These can include things like handling conflict abusively, bad eating habits, workaholism, insensitivity, habitual self-deprecation, and prejudice.
- Then there is the sphere of influence which I call the self-centered ego; that part of us which believes that world should revolve around our own passions and desires. In this sphere of influence, we make decisions based on what we want, rather than what God wants or what is best for society at large. This is where greed usually originates.
- Then there are the environmental influences (which one should never underestimate.) For instance, it is easier to be good when a person has access to power, prestige, and wealth. But it is very hard to choose rightly in a poor and crime infested neighborhood. It is easier to be inclusive when we are brought up in a loving, diverse, environment where the dignity of every human being is honored. But it is very hard to appreciate differences when we are fearful or have had little experience. It is easier to be generous when the environment provides goods in abundance. But it is harder to be giving and non-anxious when the pay check is limited. It is easier to leave a lighter footprint on this earth when we are brought up respecting mother earth and all of the creatures who inhabit it. It is much harder to care for the environment when we are removed from nature and are bombarded daily with messages to consume more, bigger, and better.
- Finally, there are the larger economic, political, and social structures that determine, control, and limit our options. This makes it more difficult for individuals and society to chart the right course.
Because of these many influences, it is hard to say no, even when we have the information and desire to do good. Today, we have a chance to look at these spheres of influence that cause us to do what we do not want to do. We have the opportunity to become more conscious of the patterns of behavior that corrupt and destroy the creatures of God. After being marked with ashes, a sign of penitence, we will recite a litany of destructive patterns of behavior. We will look personally and corporately at our own unfaithfulness, self-indulgent appetites, anger and frustration, intemperate love of worldly good, and our negligence in prayer and worship. These patterns cause us to sin; to hurt and destroy others, our environment, and our own self-respect. We will then as a corporate body, publicly ask for forgiveness and accept God’s pardon for our sins.
Will this make us perfect in the future? NO! But if we are serious, it will make us more conscious of our actions and lead us into truth. And if we confess our failings with a humble and contrite heart, the power of the Holy Spirit working in us can and will liberate us from the bondage of sin.
In a few moments, ashes will be placed on our foreheads. Ashes are not only a sign of repentance but also of our mortality. We are on this precious and fragile earth for only a short time. How do you want to live out the rest of your life? You can make a bigger difference on this earth when you are more free to choose the good over the bad. Ash Wednesday is one opportunity to embrace the freedom that God offers to all who follow Christ.
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
| Updated 2/25/07 |
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