Devotion - Ash Wednesday

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

These are the words of Ash Wednesday.  

This is the blessing repeated as ashes are smeared on the foreheads of followers of Jesus.

In these few words we are reminded that life can be lived pursuing that which is fleeting, or life can be connected to that which is greater than ourselves.  The invitation issued with these words is to be aware of the gift which is receiving the ashes and the attaching of ourselves to the Word of God.

Throughout the 40 days of Lent, we are to struggle with these temptations.  The temptation to center our lives in our own life is great.  The temptation to seek that which gratifies the flesh and adds to the ego is powerful.  Will we allow ourselves to be lured into the false notion that we are more than dust?

Or, will we embrace our lot and find our hope in the Truths of God's way?

"Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return."  These words are a reminder and an invitation to choose the latter.