I’m skipping over the Ash Wednesday reflection as it spoke about why ashes are popular – Rolheiser would tell us because ashes are a symbol that is “blunt, archetypal and speak the language of the soul.” That’s all well and good, of course – I can’t really dispute his thought. However, cynically it’s been said that Ash Wednesday services are popular because one goes expecting to get something – ie: ashes. We all love tangible value added, right? Ooh, we also got a rock to take home this year! lol!
So, to the Thursday after Ash Wednesday reflection… the line that struck me most:
“They (those in Jewish apocalyptic literature) understood this mystically, not literally. In order to be filled by God one must first be emptied.”
It’s a good thought… what should we empty? Negative thoughts? Old resentments? Stress-filled anxiety? All those and more, of course.
In a way it reminds me a bit of what our Jewish brothers and sisters do to prepare for the Passover, cleaning out the cupboards and fridge, sweeping out all the crumbs to make way for new, fresh supplies and using up the dregs that are left. That’s what Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday – was originally about… using the last of the flour and shortening and eating all that’s left before it goes bad.
Yet, we shouldn’t gorge ourselves on the last of those negative feelings. Acknowledge them yes, but then let them go. They do not nourish us. When we have rid ourselves of the dregs of negativity we can then spend the next 40 days in the wilderness cleaning out our glasses and preparing them to be filled with the Light of Christ on Easter.
So, to the Thursday after Ash Wednesday reflection… the line that struck me most:
“They (those in Jewish apocalyptic literature) understood this mystically, not literally. In order to be filled by God one must first be emptied.”
It’s a good thought… what should we empty? Negative thoughts? Old resentments? Stress-filled anxiety? All those and more, of course.
In a way it reminds me a bit of what our Jewish brothers and sisters do to prepare for the Passover, cleaning out the cupboards and fridge, sweeping out all the crumbs to make way for new, fresh supplies and using up the dregs that are left. That’s what Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday – was originally about… using the last of the flour and shortening and eating all that’s left before it goes bad.
Yet, we shouldn’t gorge ourselves on the last of those negative feelings. Acknowledge them yes, but then let them go. They do not nourish us. When we have rid ourselves of the dregs of negativity we can then spend the next 40 days in the wilderness cleaning out our glasses and preparing them to be filled with the Light of Christ on Easter.
2 comments:
We got a rock this year, too. They handed out ROCKS at the morning Mass full of school children. Can I just say, that wasn't the best choice in the world!
Jennifer in MN
I thought the same thing, Jennifer, as I saw all the kids crowding around the rock garden! I'm sure all the moms out there were thrilled! lol!
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