If you are familiar with the Christian liturgical year, you might recognize that we are now in the season of Lent. This time begins with Ash Wednesday, marked globally by the tradition of applying ashes to the forehead as a sign of humility and the transient nature of life. This ritual invites reflection on repentance, rejuvenation, and the notion of resurrection.
Growing up in a Protestant setting, my appreciation for Lent deepened through experiences at a Catholic school in Rochester. Annually, my peers and I would attend the Ash Wednesday Mass, setting the stage for the 40-day journey that culminates in the pivotal events of Holy Week and Easter Sunday’s celebration of resurrection.
The practice of using ashes, made from the burned palm branches of the previous year, deeply moved me. These ashes, placed on my forehead, served as a stark reminder that sometimes, destruction is a precursor to the renewal and rebirth that follows.
Consider the example of the giant sequoias, some of the most massive organisms on Earth, which grow from tiny seeds in cones that only open under the extreme heat of wildfires. These fires not only release the seeds by opening the cones but also clear the underbrush, converting it into nutrient-dense ash. This ash fertilizes the soil, allowing the sequoias’ seeds to sprout and thrive. This natural cycle of devastation and renewal, as evidenced by fire and ashes, mirrors the process of resurrection.
Albert Einstein once noted, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Observing natural processes, such as how animals interact and trees regenerate after fires, provides profound insights into the interconnectedness of life, echoing our own experiences.
During Lent, the faithful practice fasting and other forms of self-denial, refraining from usual comforts to sharpen their spiritual focus. Ruth Haley Barton emphasizes that these acts of discipline help strip away distractions and enhance our sensitivity to spiritual directions in our lives. Lent is seen as a time to cast off unnecessary burdens, with Ash Wednesday offering a symbol of fresh starts and fertile prospects.
Yet, the concept of renewal extends beyond Lent. Throughout life, we often face challenges that can feel overwhelming, like being engulfed in flames. However, akin to the sequoias, within us lie dormant seeds that these trials can awaken, ready to sprout and prosper in the aftermath, leading us toward personal rebirth and transformation.
Josh Danielson, originally from Rochester and ordained minister, recently served as the Director of Communications and Worship at Rochester Covenant Church.