Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

If you were with us on Ash Wednesday, you heard this said to you as Fr. Ed McNeill and I imposed ashes upon your forehead. If you missed it—sorry! You missed a powerful time of worship and encouragement.  The season of Lent begins with a stark reminder of our mortality, and therefore our cause to reflect over the manner and priorities of our lives. This theme is balanced by the theme of God’s triumphant Grace.  This season is a gift. We willingly choose to allow more time and space for the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask Him to examine our hearts, reveal changes that should be made, express real sorrow over sin and real resolve to move forward in the changes God convinces us to employ.

Lent is a time to grow in Christ and to grow more Christ-like. I invite you to embrace this time for your soul. Set aside more time to read the Bible, pray, read devotional materials (which we have for you), and serve others. Get the most from this season by choosing what to remove from your schedule. Avoid simply adding more to your daily routine; instead, stop doing some things in order to have quality time for your reflections and prayers and reading.

I am encouraged by today’s devotional by Henri Nouwen, From Fear to Love, Fr. Henri writes, “God is not sitting there laughing that you couldn’t do it on your own and you finally had to confess that you needed a parent’s love. That’s not the God we are talking about. Our Loving Creator is so much more caring. Our God awaits us with compassion and tenderness.” Go to the God who waits for you. He doesn’t force your coming or your return, but welcomes you. Make time to be with Him.

Pray with me:  Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that this season and “these ashes” may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; help us; grant us courage to obey our convictions and discipline to seek you in prayer, fasting, giving, and serving; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.