Ash Wednesday

Tonight's short homily is focused on the meaning of Lent and the parish Lenten study book.

Lent, is from an old English word meaning "lengthen", as in the lengthening of days which occurs in the northern hemisphere with the coming of spring. There is the connotation of "spring cleaning", renewal or repair associated with the seasonal change.

The 40 days of Lent is also redolent of Christian tradition and symbolism. For example, 40, echoes the days Moses spent on Mt Horeb before receiving the commandants, the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness, Jesus 40 days of temptation in the desert and it's the traditional time he spent in the tomb (Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning).

The 40 day period of Lent (the Sundays are not counted) has also traditionally been a time of penance, prayer and preparation for those about to be baptised - a spiritual spring-cleaning if you will as we mark the final days of Jesus.

The symbolism of ash as an outward sign of repentance and sorrow is found repeatedly throughout the bible. In being anointed with ashes we are acknowledging our need for repentance. The application of ashes on our foreheads tonight is made more poignant because of the recent bush fire devastation in Victoria where so many lives were lost.

The ashes are also a reminder of our mortality. Each year we are reminded that we came from the earth and we will return to the earth.

Thinking about our own demise, our own non-being, is not a pleasant thing to do. It can be the ultimate dread. Nevertheless it is a timely reminder that we need to keep our relationship with God and our neighbours in order. The Ash Wednesday admonition, "dust thou art", also helps us put our lives into perspective, on the horizon, no matter how distant is the grave.

Nevertheless, it is from the ashes that the new shoots spring. From our repentance, new hope and the possibility of new relationships emerges.

For Christians death need not be a frightful concept. We have the comforting knowledge of the resurrection and the continuing presence of God.

Now I said earlier that Lent was traditionally a time of penance, of prayer and preparation and it's to this theme that I want to return.

Lent is the ideal time to deepen our faith and understanding via prayer and study. Quite fortuitously, the parish is offering a Lenten study course based on Bp Jonathan Holland's book called Jesus Unbound : the story of Jesus of Nazareth.

Now most of us probably learnt about Jesus on mum's knee (possibly the best way), at Sunday School, religious education, (the dreaded RE), church, bible study, TV etc etc. Our childhood Jesus in many cases forms the basis for our adult Jesus. That is, the Jesus of our childhood may inform our adult concepts of Jesus. Now generally there is nothing wrong with this - we have a solid, traditional view of the faith. But it may be a second-hand Jesus we have accepted. By second-hand I mean that we may never have thought through Jesus for ourselves. And thinking through can open up a deeper, more vibrant and personalised Jesus.

Bp Jonathan's book is a good way to start this process of exploring Jesus or perhaps as he would say, unbinding Jesus. Unbinding Jesus and presenting us with new and fresh perspectives.

To this end, Rev'd Jan asked me to design a five session study guide based on on the good bishop's book. Bp Jonathan's book is an ideal vehicle for a Lenten study. It is thought provoking and sometimes presents a Jesus that we may not have considered, e.g., wondering what his mission actually was, a Jesus feeling doubt and despair. It also does it in a manner available to the average reader. And it's grounded in scripture, theology and logic.

The crux of the study guides are the questions for discussion. I'll have to take most of the blame for them (but you can always bring your own questions). But here is your chance to teach, to learn, to wonder and think out loud.

The study consists of five sessions:

1. Session One's (starting next week) focus is on Beginnings and poses questions such as how we might respond if called to ministry, or did Jesus have foreknowledge that Judas would betray him.
2. The second session's theme concerns the journey to Jerusalem and the response of the power's that be.
3. Session Three is concerns "Who am I". It is partly concerned about the doubts that Jesus, his disciples and other had - about him and his ministry.
4. The fourth session is about resurrection
5. The final session relates to the continuing presence of God.

As for the lessons themselves, each session opens with a prayer, the Gospel reading for next week, some warm-up exercise, i.e., things that you want to talk about, your impression of the painting (each chapter has its own painting - this is your chance to say, "I don't know much about art but I know what I like"). Also, look for the mention of our own Father Keith and his contribution to church art. There is the option for the Gospel reading to be discussed - what do you think about it, what does it say to you.

Each session has a list of questions for discussion - about seven to 10 . The groups are not expected to answer every question, about two or three would be fine. Which question to answer is up to the facilitators and participants to work out. But please explore, ask, give opinions and be involved.

There is a little preparation involved. Group members should read the short chapter in Bp Jonathan's book, read the Gospel and the session material. Preparation should not take too long, but you can look upon it as a Lenten discipline.

I would encourage you to read with a pencil in your hand and jot down questions, insights, or comments in the margins - and bring them to the group.

The purpose of group study is not just to experience group dynamics (which is good), nor is it to intellectualise Jesus or demythologise him. Instead I see it as a vehicle, a platform, to deepen our understanding, our faith and clarify in our own minds who Jesus is and the gospels meaning for us. To share and learn in congenial company. The groups provide the opportunity to explore God, humankind, life and of course Jesus. In that way I hope that Jesus becomes more real, more vibrant, more present for you.

As the author of the study guide I naturally commend it to you. There is still time to join a group, still time to download the program off the web, or get a copy at your group, and to buy the book.

My hope is that like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus that your hearts burn within as you talk about Jesus.

Amen.

John Murray