Comments on: Upon the Ashes

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:31:36 +0000

I really appreciate that you take the time to respond to us. I read your Sacred Journey book almost every day and meditate on the Night Visions every Advent. You have been an in-spiration to me for years and I thank you. Instruments of righteousness, I like that, I envision an entire musical band, not so much the Salvation Army as maybe a samba band!

By: Jan Richardson

Jan Richardson — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:14:20 +0000

Wow, Rachel—thanks so much for passing this along. It’s lovely and powerful to imagine your voices joining with the voices of Sojourner Truth and Paul. Thank you for this Ash Wednesday gift, and many blessings to you in these Lenten days.

By: Jan Richardson

Jan Richardson — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:05:42 +0000

Thanks, Wendy. Those are Paul’s words, of course—or the NRSV’s translation of his words, at any rate. I’m sure that Paul could offer some lively conversation about what it is that we need in order to confront and challenge those forces that are contrary to God and to what God longs for in this world. But, yes, this can also be translated as “tools” or “instruments,” and I agree that this is helps to open up this word and what it really means. Discerning the particular tools that we are called to use, both individually and in community, in order to embody the love of God and to confront the presence of chaos and evil in the world is some of our most crucial—and challenging—work. Thanks again, and blessings to you in this season.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:10:58 +0000

Dear Jan, what a powerful reflection. I am a Quaker with Catholic, Presbyterian and Episcopal *connections* in addition to many others. This evening was bible study at my nearby, largely African American, Presbyterian Church. Recently we had read Jaun Williams This Far By Faith, so I was now familiar with Sojourner Truth and her remarkable story. I took your reflection with me, they have heard me speak of you before, and asked the group to read it with me. I read the text and had the joined voices of our group say *then I will speak upon the ashes.* It was just as I heard it in my mind reading it last night. Thank you so much for this blessed beginning to our lenten journey.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:55:15 +0000

In an effort to only use words of peace, love, kindness, compassion, can we think of the “weapons of righteousness” as the tools of righteousness?

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Since our church is not commemorating this day, I am glad to have been touched by this profound reflection.

By: Jan Richardson

Jan Richardson — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:33:29 +0000

Many kind thanks, Jennifer. I wish you deep blessings as you make your first observance of Lent. May it be a wondrous season for you.

By: Jan Richardson

Jan Richardson — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:31:16 +0000

Thanks so much to everyone for your thoughts! I’m grateful for your words and for your company as we cross into Lent. Many blessings to each of you on this Ash Wednesday and throughout the coming season.

By: Pastor Beth

Pastor Beth — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:17:05 +0000

These ashes are stirred and grateful for such beautiful insight into the meaning of this day.
Grace and Peace to All

By: Sunrise Sister

Sunrise Sister — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:21:39 +0000

Sojourner Truth’s decision to speak “upon the ashes” is inspirational. I pray that I can remember to live “underneath the ashes” – to remember that they are there even though they’ve been cleansed from sight. Thanks again, Jan.