" . . .we are but ashes and shall return to dust . . ."
(phrase from the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes)
Each year we begin the Lenten season with this sobering reminder. How might it relate to our call to "Care for Our Common Home?"
One way is by opening our eyes to people and places that are subject to wildfires around the globe today (see: fires.globalforestwatch.org/map/) and to remember those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and lives to fire.
It is easy to despair in the face of such destruction. But ashes can also contain a glimmer of hope and renewal in dark times, as in the legend of the phoenix, a mythical bird used in Christian symbolism.
A poem to begin our Lenten journey:
Phoenix
Are you willing to be sponged out, erased, cancelled, made nothing?
One way is by opening our eyes to people and places that are subject to wildfires around the globe today (see: fires.globalforestwatch.org/map/) and to remember those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and lives to fire.
It is easy to despair in the face of such destruction. But ashes can also contain a glimmer of hope and renewal in dark times, as in the legend of the phoenix, a mythical bird used in Christian symbolism.
A poem to begin our Lenten journey:
Phoenix
Are you willing to be sponged out, erased, cancelled, made nothing?
Are you willing to be made nothing?
dipped into oblivion?
If not, you will never really change.
The phoenix renews her youth
only when she is burnt, burnt alive,
burnt down
to hot and flocculent ash.
Then the small stirring of a new small
bub in the nest
with strands of down like floating ash
shows that she is renewing her youth like the eagle, immortal bird.
(the author is none other than D.H. Lawrence)
shows that she is renewing her youth like the eagle, immortal bird.
(the author is none other than D.H. Lawrence)
