Me and Sarah attended an Ash Wednesday service the other night. For me, it was my first time. (Sarah went to a Catholic school for some of her childhood in CA, so she was familiar with it). I had always been interested in the
Catholic church down the road from our apartments. It seemed like a good, family oriented, beautiful church, and Ash Wednesday seemed like an ideal time to go check it out.
I had a horrible day at work Wednesday, and when I got home I needed to cram for a history midterm the next day. So I wasn't in the best of moods when we decided to go. But I'm glad we did. It was honestly one of the most refreshing times of worship I've ever experienced. For one, I was struck by the diversity of the church. There were old people, businessmen, families, jocks, and young couples. The family next to us even had their tiny dog. Throughout the whole service, there were kids whispering and babies crying, but no one cared. It just made the atmosphere even more family oriented. Everyone there seemed really present; eager to worship and joyful to be there.
A group of 4 young girls and a pianist led us in worship. It was simple and beautiful. I didn't know most of the songs, but I didn't have to. I simply prayed the songs of repentance others were singing. The singing! It was amazing to hear the congregation sing. I go to a church where you can't even hear your own voice because the drums, guitars, and bass are so loud. It's been a long time since I've been in such a stripped, simple worship service. It was awesome being able to follow along with the service and the songs in the
hymnal.
The Priest who led the service was a small, black man with a deep African accent. He was funny, & called the congregation to the importance of repentance. It's been a long time since I have heard that call in church. We hear all the time to be close to God, reach out to others, reach culture, and the like, but I can't remember the last time the minister called the people to turn from their sin. He encouraged the people to get right with God
today, not to put off a change of heart for another time.
Then came the Eucharist. This is where a lot of Protestant Christians freak out. But I've stated in
past blogs how I think Catholics might be closer to the essence of Communion than we think. It was an honor to come and partake of Christ through the bread and wine with fellow believers who expected to meet Christ there. After that, we went forward to have ashes put on our forheads in the shape of a cross as a reminder of our sin and mortality. Then the Priest blessed as we went out to observe the 40 days of Lent.
I talk all the time about the importance of Orthodox, Catholic & Protestant Christians coming together. But Wednesday night was actually the first time I had ever been in a Catholic service. It opened up a whole new world to me of experiencing God and His Church All I can say is that we were blessed by it, and me and Sarah will definetely be back there soon.
