“As a father cares for his children, so does the Lord care for those who fear him. For he himself knows wereof we are made; he remembers that we are but dust. Our days are like the grass; we flourish like the a flower in the field. When the wind goes over it, it is gone, and its place shall know it no more” (Psalm 103:13-15 The Book of Common Prayer, p.734).
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is how quickly life can change. All of us were able to go out with family and friends. We were able to attend our church services in person, sing beautiful hymns, and hear God’s word. We were quite free to do what we wanted and where we wanted to go. We could go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We could visit with friends and family with only our busy schedules to deal with. COVID-19 brought all of that to a screeching stop. All of us are so tired of being at home all the time, and not being able to make decisions without carefully considering what the safety risk might be. Many of us have lost loved ones that we were not able to see before they passed away, because of hospital safety policies. The life we all knew nearly a year ago, is no where near the same. That which was abundant and full, is all but dust and ashes.
I think Ash Wednesday and Lent is so perfect for the times we are living in. They are a reminder of our limitations. We are not supernatural beings with no limits. We are finite, mortal people with limitations. Whatever we acquire in terms of material possessions, college and university degrees, occupational achievements and intellectual or theological wisdom; one day, we will die, and we will be nothing more than ashes and dust. Lent is a time for prayerful solitude and silence to reflect on what is really important. Lent is a time to retreat into our contemplative spaces and let God speak to us through God’s mercy, love and limitless grace.
As contemplatives, we search for God’s mercy in everything. That is why I love what St. Benedict wrote at the end of Chapter 4: On the Tools for Good Works in The Rule. “And finally, never lose hope in God’s mercy.” In this short sentence, Benedict tells us that whatever we do with the good things God gives us to do; God’s mercy is where our hope needs to be. God’s mercy is what helps us to contemplate God’s boundless love, that never gives up on us, and never stops wanting us to return to God over and over again. Lent is a time to remember what our limits are, respect those limits and trust the rest in God’s mercy.
Can you tell God honestly what your limits are, and learn to trust God the rest of the way?
Amen.
Peace be with all who enter here.
Brother Anselm Philip King-Lowe, OSB
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