It is a simple sign, a cross-placed one’s forehead made from the ash of burned palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebrations. This sign, part of Ash Wednesday worship, is a symbol of the desire to seek forgiveness as we enter the 40 days of reflection leading to Holy Week. It is a symbol of remorse. 

In this Ash Wednesday week, we have we are also dealing with two incredible realities: war in Ukraine and the devastating flooding in Queensland and New South Wales. 

Seeing war played out on our television and in social media makes the tragedy very real and immediate. Civilians and military personnel are killed and the instruments of war and physically present before us. The words of lament a carol come to mind: ‘there is no peace on earth, I said, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on Earth and goodwill to all.’ The response that follows is ‘God is not dead, nor does God sleep…’. It is a good reminder of the hope we have in our God of grace and peace. May we live our commitment to peace – at all levels and do whatever we can to challenge the realities the break this bond of peace. 

Many of us know people directly or indirectly impacted by the flooding. Expressing care, compassion and support is something we all can do. For some of us, this will include direct action. Participating in the Queensland ‘Mud Army’ is a wonderful example of this. There are many ways where we can be in solidarity with, and care for, the many whose lives have been upended by the flooding. When we do this, we bring peace into disaster.     

The Lenten season invites us to live with hope and not despair. The end of Lent is the joy of Resurrection. We live through Lent with the confidence that Easter Sunday will come.  May we find ways to express our confidence in the goodness and grace of God and so bring peace. 

Rev. John Gilmore

NCCA President