Ash Wednesday (any year) Dust to Dust

Ash Wednesday (any year) Dust to Dust
March 4, 2003
By Rev. Ernest F. Campbell


On Ash Wednesday we dare come face to face with our mortality. No matter how good we look and feel right now… we mortals will all wither and die. Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return. End of story.


For me, the most poignant moments in the Christian Liturgical year are the moments between hearing
the words; “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” with the ashes trickling down on my nose, and then hearing the words; “The bread of Heaven.” “The cup of salvation.” As I receive the body and blood of our risen Lord.

In the Genesis creation story, we read how God formed Man from the dust of the ground and then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. It is that moment between the creation and the breath of life that makes the difference. Without the gift of God’s breath… God’s spirit, we are nothing but dust and ashes.

The cross of ashes that is traced on our foreheads reminds us first of what we are without God, and second it reminds us of who we are through our adoption into Christ’s holy family. The cross that was traced with water at our baptism is retraced with ashes.

Lent, which means Springtime and growth, is a time for all of us to grow in our understanding of who we are and our purpose for living.                                                                                             photo credit: Ernest F. Campbell

Just as athletes require training to be at their best, so also being a disciple of Christ requires an on-going program or renewal. Why?.... because, as one priest put it… we leak. The basic questions for our life’s journey are very similar to the five questions asked by Border Crossing Agents;

  1. What is your name?
  2. Where is your home?
  3. Are you a citizen?
  4. What is your destination?
  5. Do you have enough resources for your trip

It would be sad (indeed pitiful) if you didn’t know where you belonged or where you were going or how you were going to survive.

This is not the case for God’s family. The cross of ashes we all will wear will be our reminder that we belong to Christ now and forever. Listen as I bless the ashes in a few minutes for these words:  It is only by God’s gracious gift that we are given everlasting life.

Hear how Paul introduces himself to the Christians in Rome: My name is Paul a devoted servant of Jesus Christ. my assignment is to proclaim the good news of God’s love that has been demonstrated in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Discovering ways to strengthen our own unique relationship with Christ is the chief opportunity of Lent. So, how do we strengthen that relationship? Again, the Ash Wednesday liturgy is helpful;

Repent: Turn way from things that weigh us down, things that distance us from God.

Forgive: Free yourself from the burden of resentment.

Pray

Fast

Practice self-denial

Study God’s word

Worship


Pick one… or more…. And see what happens. 


Forty days is just long enough to change a habit. By Easter we should all be ready to celebrate the beginning of a closer walk with Christ. 


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