In my faintest memories I still remember my father looking into my eyes and marking my forehead with Ash.  As the sign of the cross marked me as God’s own, he spoke, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  To hear my father say these words while participating in this ancient ritual was way too confusing for one so young.  I didn’t want to think about death.  I didn’t want to go there, but year after year I did.
    It wasn’t until I had grown to near maturity and had experienced some of the hard-knocks of life that I began to know why I went there.  In fact, it was an odd feeling to want to go there.  To be drawn into the realm of the Spiritual and hear those words, feel the gritty symbol placed upon my skin, and walk away with this urge to wipe it off quickly, it was both disturbing and comforting at the same time.  I still didn’t really understand.  In my first appointment I learned why.
    I was blessed to work with a seasoned pastor whose understanding of life and ministry shaped my own life and ministry in ways that continue to be a blessing to others and me.  Our first Ash Wednesday service he shared with me that he had adapted the traditional saying during imposition by adding just four words, and yet they made the difference for me.
    “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.  But life in faith.”
    Every year since I remember.  I remember that I am dust, but I also remember the sense of confusion as a child.  I remember the years of coming to the communion rail on my knees and not understanding but coming anyway.  I remember the sense of urgency that came and still comes on Ash Wednesday.  I remember, and I can remember because those last four words capture for me the hope the lenten journey upon which we embark.

    Though this scripture comes into use in the very last days of this season, I often start the season remembering the scene of Jesus and the thieves on their crosses. (Luke 23: 32-43)  The two thieves are on either side and one gets smart with Jesus calling Him to prove that he is the Messiah. “If you are the One, then save yourself and us!”  But the other thief claim the Truth.  Jesus is innocent.  Then this same thief looks at Jesus and says, “Jesus remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.”  To which Jesus replies, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
    These three knew that indeed they would die.  They would soon return to dust, and yet there were two there who lived in faith.  The one thief, in requesting salvation, put his faith and trust in Jesus, and in doing so lived on.  Jesus on that cross placed His trust in God’s plan and lived on.
    “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return, but life in faith.”

    As we receive the Ash on our foreheads this day, dare we go to that place where we remember?  Dare we reflect upon why in God’s name we remember that we will all die?  If we do, it might creep us out a bit, bring about some confusion, and even draw us toward a place that makes us uncomfortable, but it also might bring us to know that faith that carries us through to new life.  It might bring us to grasp hold of God’s hand, trust in God’s plan, and live on.”

    Dare we go there?    ...Dare we not?