Ash Wednesday
Karl Spitzweg, ca. 1860

My dear friends,

As we gather today for Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of our lives and the inevitability of death. This day marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. Today's readings offer us insights and guidance on this path of spiritual growth.

The first reading, from the book of Joel, calls us to return to the Lord with all our hearts, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. The prophet reminds us that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. This message of hope and forgiveness is at the heart of the Lenten season. We are called to turn away from our sins and turn towards God, who is always ready to welcome us with open arms.

The Gospel reading, from Matthew, reminds us of the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These practices help us to deepen our relationship with God, to discipline our bodies and minds, and to cultivate compassion and generosity towards others. Jesus teaches us to do these things not for show or recognition, but in humility and sincerity.

The essence of Buddhism is also about cultivating compassion and wisdom, about transforming our minds and hearts, and about recognizing the interdependence of all beings. The practices of fasting, prayer, and charity are also important in Buddhism, as they help us to overcome our attachment to material things and to develop a deeper sense of empathy and interconnectedness with others.

The symbol of ashes, which we receive on this day, reminds us of the impermanence of all things, including our own lives. In Buddhism, we speak of impermanence as one of the three marks of existence, along with suffering and non-self. When we contemplate the impermanence of things, we begin to see the futility of clinging to things that will inevitably pass away. This insight can help us to let go of our attachments and to focus on what is truly important in life.

As we embark on this journey of Lent, let us do so with humility, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. Let us embrace the practices of fasting, prayer, and charity with sincerity and intention. Let us remember that we are all on this journey together, and that we are all capable of transformation and growth. May we be guided by the wisdom of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus, and may we be inspired by the compassion and wisdom of all the great spiritual traditions of the world.

May this season of Lent be a time of renewal and awakening, a time to deepen our connection to the divine, and a time to cultivate greater love and compassion for all beings.