Lent Journal, Day 1 Ash Wednesday
What are you looking for? The first words of Jesus recorded in John's gospel, in the first chapter. He asks the two men following him, who had just left John the Baptist, what they are looking for. This question speaks to the direction I seem to be leaning more heavily in favor of these past few weeks, with regards to my own preaching and in my own discipleship thoughts: ask, then serve.
In past times, I've often asked the question of service, "What can we give you?" or "What can we do for you?" Seemingly well meaning questions, to be sure, and good, honest, devout people have and will continue to ask them. These days, though, I seem to be leaning more on the question, "What do you need?" as my question regarding service. This has been a developing topic and evolving thought to speak more to the person's need, rather than to my need to serve.
Sometimes I can't offer what the person needs. That's not the point of asking the question. Asking the question, like Jesus is doing here, "what are you looking for?" is more about discovery rather than solution. Investigating deeper with the person in need means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable too, rather than mightily supplying the need. We can vulnerably sit with their need, pray with them and ask God the questions that we have in our hearts too.
Ashes remind us that we are vulnerable. Frail. Weak. Fragile. In need as well. That these lives we live where we juggle the daily and weekly and monthly trials that keep surfacing... are finite. Our lives here will end. God will call us to our end, which is the new life eternal promised in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. That our bodies are merely dust, and our bodies will return to dust. But our end is in God, who is never-ending.
Prayer for the day: Gracious God, be with me and all people beginning their Lenten disciplines and journey with us to reorient and discover closer relationships with you. Guide us into ways of deeper understanding and faith, that we may grow ever closer to you. Help us listen and help us grow. In Jesus' name. Amen.