ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 22, 2023
ASH WEDNESDAY
I had someone in the last week ask me the question, “How do I forgive someone who has hurt me?” You would think a faith built on the notion of God’s immeasurable mercy and forgiveness would have a three-sentence how-to on this very important subject. Jesus made it clear on multiple occasions that we are to forgive one another as God has forgiven, even providing 490 times (70×7) as the number of times we need to forgive. Of course, in scripture, that number of 70×7 implies as many times as it takes.
But all of that does not help answer the question brought to me: How do I forgive? Some people will give a quick, “Just pray about it.” I believe prayer is an essential component on the journey to forgiveness, but it is often given as the only thing someone must do. Just pray for five minutes, and forgiveness will come as easily as breathing. I think forgiveness, even with a lot of good prayer, will feel more like passing a kidney stone. This Season of Lent, which begins today, is a time of reflection, repentance, and reconciliation. Beginning with the ashes in the form of a cross, the hard work of forgiveness begins. Today, there are three opportunities at Cypress Creek to receive ashes. The chapel will be open from 7-9am, and again from 11am-1pm, for people to swing by for ashes, prayer, and communion. It usually takes 5 minutes or so. And this evening, there is a full worship service at 6:45pm in the Forum.
For those trying to figure out this whole forgiveness thing, I believe Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent will help in that often grueling work of forgiveness. It won’t provide a step-by-step plan, but it begins to provide some necessary tools for work. Sometimes, it is nothing more than a reminder that we do not deserve to carry this heavy burden of anger or hurt any longer. We were created for something so much greater.
I want to wave a magic wand and make forgiveness happen, yet it doesn’t seem to work quite that way. Gracious God, you have given me a model of forgiveness in Jesus. You have provided me with a mentor in your Spirit. You have set before me the Season of Lent, a time for greater reflection and deeper connection. May all this come together to help me along the journey toward forgiveness and healing. Amen.
