Here’s a reflection for Ash Wednesday from William Maxwell.
From Ash Wednesday to Easter and
Beyond
Remember
that you are made of dust
and you will return to dust.
Remember too
that we are made in the image of God -
male and female,
old and young,
white and all persons of color
and geniuses
and people with attention deficit disorder.
It’s a strange and confusing combination,
this dustiness
and this freedom to love
and to be selfish
and to be afraid
and to know hope
and joy
and wonder.
I don’t need to know all the answers,
but I’d appreciate help remembering
that the Cross and the Resurrection
add a new dimension
and a new promise.
I remember this:
When we “Do this” in remembrance of Him
the dustiness
and God’s image
and my history
walk together,
led by His hand into life.
My life.
It’s a strange business,
this combining of
dust
and
glory.
that you are made of dust
and you will return to dust.
Remember too
that we are made in the image of God -
male and female,
old and young,
white and all persons of color
and geniuses
and people with attention deficit disorder.
It’s a strange and confusing combination,
this dustiness
and this freedom to love
and to be selfish
and to be afraid
and to know hope
and joy
and wonder.
I don’t need to know all the answers,
but I’d appreciate help remembering
that the Cross and the Resurrection
add a new dimension
and a new promise.
I remember this:
When we “Do this” in remembrance of Him
the dustiness
and God’s image
and my history
walk together,
led by His hand into life.
My life.
It’s a strange business,
this combining of
dust
and
glory.
~ Copyright © 2010 William Maxwell. Posted on In the Courtyard. www.inthecourtyard.com
