Worhip in the Works - February 2008

Sorry about the lateness in this post. March will be here soon... lol



Worship in the Works - February Edition



How do we talk to people of other faiths about our practice of Lent? Why is it that we give things up during Lent, or do special things? Why do we put ashes on our heads at Ash Wednesday? Lent is rarely one of our favorite times of the year. Images about sacrifice and dying to ourselves come up in readings and songs throughout the season. I would like to offer another way to approach this season. The following are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs:

When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

Elder Joseph, a shaker from Maine, wrote this “dance” song in 1848 as an expression of the shaker way of life, simple and joyful. Even though we have opportunities to simplify our lives, if left to our own devices, we probably wouldn’t. Lent is a reminder to us that God should be the first priority in our lives.


St. Francis of Assisi said, “First you Lord, then I.” Saints in all ages were known for placing their lives in the hands of Our Lord, simply. When I say simply, I don’t mean without regard for ourselves or our families, but with a single-hearted generosity and fervor that is characteristic of the people of God.


Lent is an opportunity to experience “metanoia” or holy conversion – turning as the song suggests. Even the words that accompany the application of ashes are “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” One way to interpret this is “I am a worm.” Another is that I am a person on a twisting road, and the utmost important thing is I am constantly seeking to make myself and my life holy. God takes great delight in our efforts, though we aren’t always successful.


I am going to join all in this season as simplifying their hearts, in seeing all our experiences as touched by the Divine. Everything from going to mass on Sundays or weekdays, talking with family and friends, having dinner, going to the mall shopping, or even watching TV or movies. Then maybe I wont be asham’d to bow and bend when life’s surprises are blown my way, because I know, like the palm tree, I am again going to stand straight.