Today is the first day of the Lenten fast. I will be preaching at Reconciler tonight. The service is at seven if you would like to join us. Also, at the hospital we will be distributing ashes all day. There are three services. I understand that I am playing at each of them and then going to my units to distribute ashes. When Cliff and I were discussing the issue of death and mortality I was thinking of this day and the work that is set out before me. I will stand in the ER and remind my brothers and sisters there that we are all dust. From dust we came. To dust we shall return. These people who work so hard to preserve life will submit to this. I praise their faith and their desire to help those in need. They are anticipating the opportunity. I was asked three times yesterday if I were going to distribute ashes in the ER. I said yes. I hope that I am the lucky one who does.
Today, if you would all pray for the hospital, the ministry of helping people to live or holding them as they die is why it exists. This day, perhaps above all others, has me deeply aware of what we do.
My faith looks up to Thee,link Posted by tripp at February 9, 2005 06:54 AM
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!While life�s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow�s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.When ends life�s transient dream,
When death�s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!
Have a good day in the ER, Tripp.
Is the distribution of ashes common in Protestant churches? Somehow I always thought it was an exclusively RC ritual.
Is the hospital where you're working affiliated with a denomination?
Posted by: Megan at February 9, 2005 09:03 AMBrother, I envy you the imposition. I wish I could bring my Comp 201 students down front for class today.
Posted by: jeremy at February 9, 2005 11:05 AMMegan,
The Imposition of Ashes is also an Anglican tradition that was adopted from the RC tradition.
Even the words of imposition would be familiar to a RC believer:
"Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return."
-R
Posted by: Ryan Whitley at February 9, 2005 01:07 PMI don't remember, but it's been a long time since I was involved with the RCC in any way.
Posted by: Megan at February 9, 2005 01:49 PMI just got this email from a guy named John in Houston, TX who is a pastor. (work email)
He signed his email, "In His Grip."
My colleague, Stef, and I mused about "In His Grip." Is that God holding onto us tightly?
We were thinking it sounds a bit violent. Maybe this guy is a wrestler.
I sneezed shortly afterwards.
We figured that God had just squeezed me and I
sneezed. Like those toys you have for dogs.
They squeak when you squeeze them.
John also included in his address, "Friday Night Jesus Party."
Anyway, we thought that it was funny.
Posted by: teresa at February 9, 2005 02:17 PMMegan,
Ryan answered somewhat. Some Baptists do it, but I have to confess I have seen it more in the ABC than the SBC. It often falls into the "meaningless ritual" category. I enjoy it a great deal, but sorta like I enjoy curry. It seems exotic somehow. It is not something I would ever find at home. Oh, the hospital is affiliated with both the ELCA and the UCC, but the chaplains are from all over the spectrum. One of my favorite quotes came from the ER Chief, "I am a Jewish doctor treating Catholic patients in a Lutheran hospital."
Yep. Pretty much.
Teresa,
That was funny. I will have to remember that the next time I sneeze.
Posted by: AngloBaptist at February 9, 2005 02:35 PM