A Thought for Ash Wednesday
by Rev. Chris Lieberman
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Susan Lee, LCSW
Comfort My People
Coach / Consultant

Chris Lieberman, Relationship Coordination Director

February 26, 2020

Remember to start your day with the PCUSA Lectionary and prayer. How do today's readings reflect the Ash Wednesday theme?

Look at the ashes on the forehead, a mark of our mortality on the face of our humanity.  Ash Wednesday can be a hard day for some. Death in the face of life. Ash Wednesday raises awareness that people do not live forever and we all will die. This is a thought, and often a fear (or internal struggle) that some people wrestle with on a daily basis; not just on Ash Wednesday. 

Our tradition teaches us that we are not alone. There are people to reach out to. People who will listen and care and try to offer loving support. That is one of the messages of our Comfort My People: Mental Health in Healthy Congregations Coach (Susan Lee): “Congregations are communities of care. Churches are already doing many things that promote wellness and contribute to health and well-being. Let’s recognize that what we do is important and valuable.”
Look again at the ashes on the forehead.  This time notice that the ashes of our mortality is also a mark of the cross. The cross of Ash Wednesday is not just a symbol of suffering, but also a symbol of hope. Our actions on Ash Wednesday, just like people, are not meant to stand alone or be an end in itself. Ash Wednesday sets people on a path (during Lent) towards Easter.  Experience the journey of faith, within a community of care, hope, and love ; which leads us deeper into the fullness of life. 
Extend Your Knowledge

Here are some outside links to extend your understanding of this topic.



Thank God for Comfort, Grace and Hope!

Don’t forget to end your day with the evening verse from today’s lectionary. 

Best wishes
Susan Lee, LCSW,
Your Comfort My People Coach

Facilitator of Presbytery of St. Augustine's
Comfort My People: Mental Health in Healthy Congregations

Ash Wednesday photo by  Ahna Ziegler  on  Unsplash