Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I have been looking forward to it so much. I have been very busy lately. We need these different Church seasons to help us reconnect, recommit, and re-engage in our journey of faith. My family and I went to 5:30PM mass. It was a beautiful mass. When it came time to receive our ashes I stood in line like everyone else, feeling peaceful. Then the person put the ashes on my forehead saying "remember that you came from ashes, and to ashes you will return." I was immediately overwhelmed with emotion. This act seemed to have happened in slow motion. The finger on my forehead felt heavy. I felt such love in my heart. I sat down, while tears streamed down from my eyes.
Where did this come from? What does it mean? Is there a deep symbolism for it? What does it say about me and my life? Nothing. It is simply love. I took a step in our journey of Lent. Jesus held my hand and also took a step with me. And so we begin, in Divine love.
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Hector, I believe it's a gift from the Holy Spirit; when he reaches out and you connect with him and Wham! It's a very special momnet when with awe something inside of us realises that 'God is here', really here, and we are sensitive to him in a way that ordinarily we can not...or do not do..slugging off all that distracts us from him who made us and getting down to the bare bones of the matter.God is love.
Posted by: ukok | February 23, 2007 at 02:53 AM
ukok, what a deep and beautiful reflection! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Hector | February 24, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Hector, I'd confirm what Deb said. The finger feeling heavy is almost surely a stronger than usual presence of the spirit of God - tangible if you like - and often I've seen people 'swoon' or fall under that presence - it's more a kind of allowing one to fall back into the arms of God --- which is exactly what I think you did when you sat down and allowed the emotion to well up (instead of fighting it and pushing it down)
More importantly than any of the analysing is the visible sign that God loves you - extends His anointing to you - and blesses you as a person , especially in this Lenten season.
I rejoice with you :)
Posted by: Lorna | February 25, 2007 at 01:37 AM
Hi Lorna! Thanks for sharing your insight! God bless!
Posted by: Hector | February 25, 2007 at 04:41 PM
It's the gift of tears.
At our church we have Forgiveness Vespers as the initiation into Lent. Lots of tears shed at that service, and you can feel the Holy Spirit present, turning everyone's heart to repentance. The gift of tears.
Posted by: Renee | February 27, 2007 at 11:37 AM
We had another kind of experience but not less emotional. This year we were facing the line as ministers helping the priest. My husband (Hector's father) was aplying the ashes while I was beside him holding the Bible. We felt like we were floating, so big was the spiritual feeling. It was such a beautiful experience! and we thank God that HE gave us that gift. I wish that more people would learn the joy of receiving the Holy Spirit and living with HIM!
Posted by: Carmen | March 01, 2007 at 12:41 AM
Hi mami! Thanks for visiting and for your wonderful comments!
Posted by: Hector | March 03, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Hi Renee! Thanks for sharing about your experience with the gift of tears...
Posted by: Hector | March 03, 2007 at 12:38 PM