Ash Wednesday–Lent Begins

I received ashes this morning at church, but I waited until the last of the others had received theirs.  I was struck by listening to the pastor proclaiming Genesis 3:19 over each person “For dust you are and to dust you will return.”  The drumbeat of the reminder, almost dirge-like, spoke the truth that in a culture that worships youth and pursues physical fitness with passion, indeed youth passes away and physical fitness cannot keep us from death’s door.

We are mortal. 

We die. 

We die because of sin. 

As Ash Wednesday continues, reflect on Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”