Thou Art Dust: An Ash Wednesday Reflection
J.M.J. "Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris." These are the words we hear before every Ash Wednesday Mass. As we approach the priest who signs our foreheads with ashes, we are reminded of death. Death. Why is it pushed aside so often? Why is everyone so sad after a death? Our happiness is not of the world or of worldly things; we are here only to prepare for our earthly death so we may one day live our eternal life in Heaven. I am reminded of this by one of my favorite Bible verses: "I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Life is not easy. It is full of sufferings to guide us to love the Lord with our whole heart, soul, and mind so that one day we may go home to Him. Often, it is the small sufferings that God sends us each day that are our greatest trials. In times of sickness and hardships, let us offer it up in union with Jesus! As St. Gemm