Bittersweet — Ash Wednesday

St Jerome once said, “The sweetness of the apple makes up for the bitterness of the root.” The finitude of human existence means that sorrow and joy are inextricably entwined, like a bittersweet apple. Think of the phrase “sweet sorrow.” We see this mingling of sorrow and joy in our own life, but most clearly in the life, suffering, and death of Christ.

Yet our culture is one of ‘enforced positivity’ and ‘normative smiles’ — we are often discouraged from acknowledging or mentioning suffering! “Don’t worry, be happy!” “The best is yet to come,” we’re told.

Join with us this Lent as we contemplate and lament the uncomfortable truth that, in this life, we are confronted with sorrow, yet surprised by joy. Our Lenten journey commences with worship on Ash Wednesday, 14 February, from 7pm at Immanuel Worship Centre.