Are last week’s ashes, just cosmetic piety to adorn my performance spirituality? A tailored veil over my proud heart when God wants a surrendered heart? We are born to embrace life as it is not act in a play that turns to dust. When we can rest from restless thoughts let go of tasks and lay against God’s chest we are told to lock the door and say what we need to say. We, the ash, are not blown into the abyss but held in the holy grasp. In the light of the Spirit we see the shadow of God’s love stretching back to creation. The crossed swords of Eden’s gate now a loveseat where we sit and learn a new grammar of grace. God teaches us a new way to say repentance – not as loss - but acceptance.
Proud Veil was inspired by a Lenten reflection written by Pope Francis last year.
If you like the poem, please, let me know. If you would like you can share it with a friend.
Next Sunday, March 1, is our first Sunday of the month discussion of February’s favorite poem (8 p.m. EST). I’ll send a Zoom link to paid subscribers on Sunday. Right now, the contender for favorite poem is Work of Art, the Ash Wednesday poem.
