Ash Wednesday, Saint Valentine & Amatonormativity, Isaiah 6

Blessed Are the Binary Breakers

Listen or read along in the episode transcript for two reflections kicking off the Lenten season:

Ash Wednesday coincides with Valentine's Day this year — what can Ash Wednesday + the story of Saint Valentine teach us about facing our own mortality and resisting the pressure to put romantic love on a pedestal?

Next, let's connect the glowing coal touched to the prophet's lips in Isaiah 6 to the ashes we wear on our foreheads today. Why are physical signs of spiritual truths important? How does acknowledging our limitations open us to divine blessing?

Announcement: The Blessed Are the Binary Breakers podcast will likely be updating more sporadically this year! To keep up with all that I'm up to, visit linktr.ee/queerlychristian. Interested in hiring me to workshop with your faith community? Learn more here.

Talking Points:

• (0:00) Housekeeping — my plans for 2024
• (2:51) Connecting Ash Wednesday and the legend of Saint Valentine of Rome
• (4:30) Resisting amatonormativity on Valentine's Day and throughout Lent
• (6:50 - end) Connecting Isaiah 6's glowing coal to Ash Wednesday

Resources:

• Sign up for Daily Ripple⁠!
• Resources to learn about Palestine and ways to get active
• Learn more about amatonormativity and how it's harmful
• QSpirit's article reading Saint Valentine's story through a queer lens

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This show's theme song is "Aetherium" by Leah Horn. This episode also makes use of "His Last Share of the Stars" and "Reality Cartwheeled" by Doctor Turtle.

Find more episodes & resources at blessedarethebinarybreakers.com.