Ash Wednesday initiates the season of Lent. It is a subtle point—quiet, fragile, a gentle whisper—the page turns. A new chapter begins but it is oh so slow—the ink barely dries. Such are the first murmurings of lenten spring.
The emerging liturgical season commences like a thinly dressed maple surrounded by dark clouds with hints of blue piercing the human overcast.
The vision is cold, still—yet full of possibilities—resembling a Canadian winter spirit. The crisp temperatures continue but there is an inkling of warmer winds rising as the cobalt sky breaks through on the horizon.
My interpretation of the momentary cloudland: Keep moving forward. Don’t get stuck in the winter malaise. New life is coming in spite of our melancholic souls.
Lent reminds us that the bare maple branches will soon present themselves with emerging greenery. We can’t hold it back no matter how hard we try. A Force for our good insists on her display even as James once announced,
“God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us…” (James 4:5).
A passionate Divine stream flowing forth from the heavenly fount drawing us into her current of love.
The oracle is sparked by the lighted match of Ash Wednesday. The season of Lent communicates God’s deep affection for his creation.