Ashes to ashes, dust to dust...

Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, and yet it is one of the most attended Masses of the calendar year.

What about it draws people in?

Is it the solemnness?

The reminder of our short lives on earth that sticks with us from childhood and prompts us each year to remember?

The smell of the burning palms?

The black mark on our foreheads, a tangible sign to ourselves and to those around us that we are but dust, and to dust we shall return?

It hits hard.

As it should.

Lent does not allow us to pretend we are invincible.

It reminds us that life is short.

And yet, we know that death is not the end of the story.

Yes, we are dust.

But we are beloved dust.

The ashes are not a sentence, but an invitation

to be present.

And intentional.

And focused.

Eyes wide open.

So let our lanterns stay lit.

And let us be awake when the Bridegroom comes.

May you have a blessed Lent, my friend.

Verity