Ash Wednesday
Good morning,
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. From today until Easter, Christians have traditionally fasted, forgoing rich foods such as meat, dairy and eggs. As a consequence, the day before Ash Wednesday, Shrove Tuesday, has been a day of using up milk and eggs in delicious pancakes. The Chaplain’s household is no exception – here’s an image of a rich concoction made by Maia last night, Kaiserschmarrn – an Austrian scrambled pancake with cherries and sour cream. Mm-mm.
As for today, Ash Wednesday, it’s the beginning of a season of 40 days of reflection, self-examination, and openness to change. That could be in habits or diet, for example, time spent in prayer or study or volunteering, or rich foods or drink left untouched. The idea is to simplify our lives so that we can better follow the truly important path. For Christians, that means following Jesus in his way of love, commitment and self-giving. But a simpler life with a better sense of perspective could be good for people regardless of faith or philosophy of life.
Ashes are a sign in scripture of being sorry for the ways we go wrong. And at church services today many people will have a mark of ash placed on their forehead as a sign of this. The service of Evensong today in St Salvator’s Chapel at 5.30 pm will offer this imposition of ashes to all who wish. Among the music at the service will be Allegri’s Miserere, that beautiful account of Psalm 51. All are welcome.
Yours,
Donald.