Thou Art Dust: An Ash Wednesday Reflection

By Miss K -

 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. Gemma inspiring says: "If you want to love Jesus, first learn to suffer because suffering teaches you to love."

Now, let us go back to the topic of death. God never promises us another day; rather, we just assume we'll wake up the next day and have all the time in the world. The only aspect of death we know for certain is that it will come to us one day. However, we do not know when or how and we do not know if it will be a quick death or a short death. God has that all planned out for us. We must eagerly anticipate the day when we will be on our deathbed. In fact, we should live every single day as if it were our last. Similarly, let us live every Lent as if it were our last Lent on Earth. Take every opportunity, no matter how small, to die to self and live for God alone. Rid yourself of all worldly attachments that you may better love God fully. Think of it as your last Lent to offer sacrifices, almsgiving, and fasting to truly be united with our One, True, Love Jesus Christ!

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