Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Facebook reminded me that four years ago, we had a very early blooming of the earliest of flowers: galanthus nivalis or more commonly, snowdrops. Before our recent snows, I noticed that they were poking out of the ground a bit (as were some daffodils), but this year I doubt we will see the much-anticipated blooms until well into March. Perhaps this is nature’s way of telling me that we are about to enter the Church’s great penitential season of Lent.
Next week, we will mark the beginning of that season on Ash Wednesday. Like everything else in the past year, this beloved observance will also be different. Our bishop has wisely directed his clergy not to impose ashes this year, as it entails too much physical contact. While disappointing, it is worth noting that the liturgy for Ash Wednesday has only been officially part of the American Prayer Book since 1979 (though it was practiced in many churches before that), and that the imposition of ashes is completely optional.
The real point of the liturgy of that day is to acknowledge our mortality and sinfulness, and our need for repentance and forgiveness. I personally find the litany of penitence to be an incisive acknowledgment of our sinful state. It gives us the opportunity to lay this burden bare and commit to a season of prayer and self-denial in preparation for Easter, the queen of feasts.
This year’s observance will take place during the regularly-scheduled Wednesday morning service at 10:00am. It will be live-streamed on our Facebook page, and will be available thereafter on demand. I hope that you will be able to join your church family in prayer on this important day, either in person or online.
Blessings,
Father Rick
917.658.6314
