#Ashes

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

I always find it humbling when the priest dips his thumb in the ashes, makes the cross on my forehead and says, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” That puts life into perspective in a way nothing else can.

The truth will tend to do that. I am sometimes so ‘busy’ going about my daily life thinking about of the next, next, next thing I have to do today this week, this month, this year. I know that I am not alone in this kind of thinking even amongst my beloved Church ladies. It is completely normal to go through life not thinking about death.

Lent is a time to reflect on the reality of our state in life, and I am not talking about our socio-economic state. I am talking about the natural life span of every living creature including us, you and me. Hearing those words never cease to catapult me into the truth of the human existence; and that's the point.

We must take a season to remember that we may be many things; but we are never in control and death will come for each and every one of us. Will we be ready? The Bible tells us we must always be prepared for the master will come when He is least expected

Lent is a time to refocus our lives according to the reality that death is the doorway to eternity and we must prepare for that passage now. We take these forty days to look at our lives both in the present and eternal realms. I find that the two are intricately intermingled and the season of Lent helps me delve into this reality more deeply. For some it can be a time of great spiritual growth and healing. For others it can be a greater understanding of the Gospel which produces a stronger relationship with Christ. Each Lenten season is different and produces its own fruits even if those fruits are not readily seen or recognized by us.

Lent is also a time to prepare ourselves for the Master’s coming. How we do this can vary on our state in life. Some may attend the Stations of the Cross, say the rosary or attend a Lenten retreat. These are all good things but as our priest reminded us this morning, the best way to prepare ourselves is to RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST as often as we can. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ unseen graces are showered upon us preparing us for our eternal journey.

As all of these things pass through my heart today; I wonder what this Lenten season will bring.

One thing I am sure of, that by receiving Ashes; I proclaim that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Everyone I come in contact with will know this just by looking at me.

I wonder what they will see tomorrow.