Cleanse Me From My Sin

Cleanse Me From My Sin
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

Theme of dirty and clean pervades the scriptures this day and the Ash Wednesday celebrations. We wear ashes as a reminder of our own mortality and sinfulness. We cry out to be cleansed from our sin (Ps. 51). And we are reminded to wash our face when fasting so as not to parade our piety in front of others (Matt 6.16ff), reminding us that we are not as clean as we think!
Deep down, however, the texts remind us that we are created in the image of God. At our core, we are meant to be clean and free of dirt and sin. We are good. Our bodies are good. They don't need to be punished during Lent. They need to be cleansed. May we have the courage to present our bodies to be washed whiter than snow throughout this Lenten season.