The Echo of Ashes
by Joyce Rupp
“Remember you are dust
and to dust you shall return.”
the large brown bowl
rests on a purple cloth
its roundness holding ashes
freshly burned
black and ready for wearing.
blackened thumbs
press the ancient sign
upon the waiting foreheads.
I hear the message repeated
until it haunts and hunts me down:
remember, remember, remember
you are dust, dust, only dust
someday only dust will remain.
the echo of the Lent-stained ashes
speaks the truth of my humanity:
the humbleness of my beginning,
the simplicity of my departure.
A few wise words
echoing through Ash Wednesday
urge me to deeper things:
renewed dedication,
constant compassion,
and mindful awareness.
I leave marveling
at how simple and sublime
is this envelope of the soul,
which one day returns
to dust, dust, only dust.
“Renewed dedication, constant compassion and mindful awareness” … what beautiful themes for a meaningful and sacred Lenten season.
May God be present with you in ways that encourage you and give you all you need to focus this Lent on practices and ways of being in the world that give life to you and all with whom you come in contact. May we all be bearers and sharers of God’s Love during this season.
Blessings for a Holy Lent.
