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

Lent begins this Wednesday. Ash Wednesday.

At worship services and street corners, Christians across the world will have ashes marked on our foreheads, and hear the words above that remind us of our mortality, our humanity, our limits.

It is a somber ritual, of course, but also hope-filled.

The ashes, the cross and the words together say, “You are mortal. You are not God.”

In the sign of the cross, we are reminded of Jesus’ life and ministry, his death and resurrection. We are reminded of Jesus’ call for us to love God and love neighbor in ways that reject power and wealth and prejudice. We are reminded of his victory over death, even death by torture. We are reminded that God holds us and will not let us go.

Yet, there is some peace in the assurance that we are simply humans and not God. Life is vast and complex and we are finite. There is much that is out of our control. There are limits and boundaries for you and me, and we are wise to let God tend to the possibilities, struggles, and outcomes that are beyond us. Instead, with ashes on our foreheads, we focus on what we actually can accomplish, assured of God’s faithfulness and love.

Lent is a season where we prepare for the joy of Easter by pausing and examining our lives. We look at the choices, priorities, and actions that fill our days, and notice where we need to turn back to God. We try to look at ourselves, reconnect with our identity as people of faith, and move toward choices that bring us closer to the God who creates, redeems, and sustains the whole world. Toward choices that help us participate in God’s love for all.

Prayer

God of us all,

As Lent begins, remind me that I am mortal.

Remind me that I am fallible.

Remind me that I am limited.

Help me to see where I turn away from you, and move me to turn back.

Help me to see where I live something other than the care and compassion for others

that you call me to,

and move me to try again.

Despite the ashes on my forehead, or the failings of my choices,

remind me that your love enfolds me, and will never let me go.

Help me to see that you alone are God, and I don’t have to be.

Amen.