Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return

A reflective and peaceful Ash Wednesday to you all. I was asked to assist in the Imposition of Ashes during today's school service, and it was such a profound experience. The kids here amazed me once again. If you need a Lutheran/Catholic refresher course, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are supposed to represent mortality and the fragile nature of human life. We receive the ashes as a reminder of the death that is caused by sin and our desperate need for a Savior.

Anyway, I see Immanuel kids causing mass chaos in the hallways, bullying other students, and engaging in all forms of hooliganry on an hourly basis every day. However, a change seemed to come over them during today’s service. They all took on a solemn attitude as they came up to receive the ashes. The little ones especially seemed to possess an otherworldly understanding of the grave nature of the ritual. Some would look up at me, concerned and pensive. Others would fold their hands, bow their heads, and close their eyes. No one instructed them in what sort of posture they should take; It was just intuitive for them. Their vulnerability was never more apparent to me, and it brought to mind Luke 18:16- "Jesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and don't hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

I pray that during the Lenten season we all are able to reflect on the sin that separates us from God and one another and that we can truly repent of it. I pray that we remember to praise God for saving us from becoming merely ash and dust. Finally, I pray that we are all able to make ourselves like little children before our Lord.