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

___

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.