Sean Major-Campbell | Blow the trumpet in Jamaica

THE SACRIFICE of God is a troubled spirit; “a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise”. (Psalm 51:17).

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is not a holiday for the Christian. It is instead a day of fasting, and a reminder of our mortality. We are reminded of our need for reconciliation with God. We also remember that Jesus in obedience to the Spirit, fasted 40 days in the desert. We lean on God’s grace as we discipline ourselves on the journey to Easter.

This time of penitence is also heralded by the words of the Prophet Joel, who declares, “Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill.”

A most significant prayer (or collect) at the start of this penitential season says:

“Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” ( The Book of Common Prayer)

CROSS OF ASHES

Maybe you have seen some Christians with a cross of ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday after they have attended mass. The Ash Wednesday Liturgy notes, “We begin our journey to Easter with the sign of ashes, an ancient sign, speaking of the frailty and uncertainty of human life, and marking the penitence of the community as a whole. .. They are a sign that we intend to prepare ourselves with penitence for Easter.”

It is worthy of note that everyone, even the babies receive the imposition of ashes! The entire community is inseparable from the reality of our mortality and the necessity for healing and repentance in a troubled world.

The priest addresses the congregation noting, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” This is such a timely reminder for all of us. Never mind the titles, the material possessions, the academic achievements, the social status, popularity. We are all dust.

The priest tells each one who comes forward for the cross of ashes, “Repent and believe the gospel”. The congregation is then reminded, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

All of us may benefit from these reminders. Imagine though how many of the world’s politicians and other leaders need to be reminded of these truths at this time.

You may not have been to a service of this nature in a long while. Maybe you have never been to one. This Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, give yourself this opportunity for this time of reflection and renewal.

Many people today need to experience this time of grace. Many would do well with the reminder, “Return to the Lord with all your heart; leave the past in ashes and turn to God with tears and fasting, for God is slow to anger and ready to forgive.”

Lent is a time for us to use the opportunities for praying, fasting, and giving, as tools of resilience in a world that needs the message of love, mercy, and care. Let us take a break from being stuck with the ugliness, selfishness, crudity, and wickedness of the world; and respond with prayerful ways of being where we give some focus to care and love of self and others. Most importantly, to make an extra special effort to give sacrificially.

IMPORTANT CONFESSION

Perhaps, a most important confession for Christians is best engaged as presented in the Litany of Penitence: “We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We have not loved ourselves as we ought. We have not forgiven others, as we desire to be forgiven. We have not forgiven ourselves as we have been forgiven. Have mercy on us Lord.”

Too many Christians have lost the ways and teachings of Christ. Too many have become so cold while lacking a sense of empathy. Too many have forgotten that spirituality is not about how often you pray or attend church. Instead, it is about your relationship with self, God, and others. Too many are comfortable with manifestations of the antichrist, even as they speak platitudes of love and Bible verses on love.

May we avail ourselves of the opportunity for repentance, renewal, and refreshment. Prophet Joel’s call is most fitting for our world today:

“Blow the trumpet in Zion;

sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly;

gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast.

Let the bridegroom leave his room,

and the bride her canopy.

Between the vestibule and the altar

let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.

Let them say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations.

Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”

May we hear this trumpet in Jamaica.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com