How easy it is to denounce structural injustice, institutionalized violence, social sin.
And it is true, this sin is everywhere, but where are the roots of this social sin?
In the heart of every human being.—Archbishop Oscar RomeroOn this Ash Wednesday, the first day of this Lenten season, I wanted to post these reflections from the Rev. Dr. Tom Sheffield, the Presbytery Pastor of the Presbytery of Denver (PCUSA), on this quote from Archbishop Romero. I admire Tom greatly and was greatly blessed to serve in his presbytery for five years, and I think there’s a great deal of wisdom in what he has to say about this day.
On most days I can find ways to avoid what Archbishop Romero wrote. Most days I can think I am pretty good. I can believe that all things considered I am doing pretty well. And I can convince myself that if I am not, it isn’t really my fault. On most days I can say all that.But not on Ash Wednesday.On Ash Wednesday I am forced . . . and the word is “forced” . . . to look as squarely as I can at that sin. I am led forward to receive those ashes, a sign that what passes for life is passing very quickly away, a sign that God can take the remnants of my life, the tattered pieces of my days, the shredded hopes and dreams and bring about something good and whole and eternal, and a sign that without my ever doing much of anything I am marked with God’s grace and love.On Ash Wednesday may we all find again what is in our hearts and discover again, too, what is in the heart of God. May we find there the forgiveness that we need, acceptance for which yearn and hope for which we long. And in finding that forgiveness, acceptance and hope may we also find the strength daily to transform, with the love of Christ, the injustice, violence and sin that dwell in all our lives.