Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday reminds vain man That each must slay false pride's ascend. This day we note a pious practice Once learnt by rote in simple gist. Man is mere dust that is alive In a brief trust, by grace to thrive. An ancient lore bears repeating: From times before, repentance flings. Man is imaged in God's likeness, In brief passage till end brightness. A Christian rite and clear ritual, Ash cross we write on head visual. A sign to show we remember The tact each knows from dust embers. We come from dust, to dust return; Life here is trust that love now churns. This Lent we think upon the way; The path that links tidings that stay. Forty days we reflect on deeds, Look deep to see, atone for weeds. A change of heart and will and mind; Let penance start to seek and find. A change of pace and touch and feel; To await grace to cleanse and heal. A change of sight from earthly things; To see new light, sense Spirit's sling. We, each must pass from muddy stores To pristine grass in soul's kind shores. A certain call springs to each soul: To bear and bring a new zest whole. Here as we stand on thresholds clear, Our Lenten trends groom faithful cheer. Now each man frames the path to take; Heed inner flame to rise awake. Aware of need, each heeds belief, Feel truth that seeds what soul perceives. The Christ said: "Choose your new life..." The road is made beyond man's strife! The middle way is for all men: Each soul must stay with inspired span. Come then with heart attuned to grace, Let each man start to live love's space. Love calls to each to gather now; To touch and reach to glimpse endow. We, each must learn to love and act; Love that we yearn answers love's pact. From dust we come, to dust the end; Live love's sweet sum in daily trend. Leon Enriquez 18 Apr 2014 Singapore