Commentary - From Dust You Came . . . .

 

“From dust you came . . . . and to dust you shall return.”

It’s Ash Wednesday again . . . . my 62^nd as a matter of fact. As with last year’s post, I suspect many would find commentary on Ash Wednesday a bit out of place on a blog dedicated to training folks in the use of a weapon to defend themselves. Yet, to me coming to “terms” with the idea that we are mortal and limited in our understanding of how the world, the universe works and our place in it pushes me to examine my faith a bit deeper.

In the Catholic tradition, on Ash Wednesday a person’s forehead is marked with the ashes of the previous year’s palm fronds from Palm Sunday. Some parishes even make burning them part of the tradition of the Mass. Our parish has done that from time to time, not this evening.

After the Gospel reading and the Homily we process to the front of the church to receive our ashes. I was one of those who placed ashes on the forehead of our parishioners. It was accompanied by the phrase “From dust you came . . . and to dust you shall return”. They are our reminder to each other that this life is temporary, simply mere seconds in the ultimate journey of our existence.

I continue trying to figure out the “whys” of my faith – the reason for Christ’s birth, the real reason for his death, the mystery of his resurrection . . . . there’s a life’s journey of thought, learning, acceptance and more right there. A few years ago I participated in what our Diocese calls “Lay Formation” – the preparation for the laity to become more involved in the church. As part of this 3-year journey one of the elements was to discern my particular Charism – my specific talent of faith within the church. Honestly, it did not come as much of a surprise when it was revealed that my Charism is . . . Faith. That is my gift to use within the church and my life.

Seems like such a big task . . . .

But, I’m workin’ on “it”. And the 40 days of Lent provide yet another opportunity to set aside time each day for reflection, for discerning my place in the universe, the church and within God’s plan.

As for our place – as individuals who have chosen to take up arms – physically, take up arms – to defend ourselves, our families, our friends and our communities from the evil that does, indeed, exist – time spent in prayer, reflection and worship helps insure that we stay true to our ideals.

I would encourage you all, for the next 40 days, set aside 15 minutes a day to have a conversation with Him. He knows you, He loves you, He hears you. 15 minutes to refresh your spirit, refresh your soul and to refresh your relationship with Him.

Remember . . . .

“From dust you came . . . . and to dust you shall return.”