“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
These are the words that we hear on Ash Wednesday, as we receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads.
They are such somber, serious sounding words. We hear them every year on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. But, do we really give them much thought the rest of the year, when Lent is over?
The readings for mass today, are also very somber and serious. They call us to return to the Lord with our whole heart. Jesus also calls us to do this quietly, in private, and in a deeply personal way. Our relationship with the Lord is actually a private matter, even though we celebrate it publicly with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
What sticks in my mind the most today though, are the words:
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
It is because of a conversation that I was privileged to have Monday, with a fellow volunteer in prison ministry …
“Bill” was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, a few weeks ago. The cancer has spread to five of his lymph nodes. After having part of his colon removed, he is facing chemotherapy the first of April. I expected him to be sad, depressed or down in the dumps about it. But, he said the worst part was telling other people about it. He was prepared to face his own death, but it was other people’s reaction that he worried about the most. That’s Bill for you! He spends his life outwardly focused on other people, rather than himself.
Bill’s acceptance of his own death though, was a powerful, private testimony to his deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. He actually looks forward to going to heaven! He looks forward to being reunited with all the people he loved and cared about in his life, and most of all – being with Jesus Christ!
But, Bill is prepared. He has spent a lifetime preparing for his final home, with joy, not sorrow. It is because Bill knows that he is on a pilgrim journey and heaven is his real home.
Daily mass, confession, prayer, adoration and service to others are a permanent way of life for Bill. He’s not afraid of death and there are very few regrets he has. Confession throughout the years and reception of the Eucharist has brought much peace and healing to his soul. Bill’s rich prayer life has brought him into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who will be no stranger when he meets him in heaven one day.
Bill said he is ready to face his maker today, or whenever the Lord decides to call him home. He has his funeral planned, his personal affairs in order, and a list of phone numbers of people to call when it’s time.
The question today is … are you prepared to face your own death too? Do you have any unresolved issues, sins or regrets that need to be forgiven and healed? Or is your soul at peace, knowing that you have confessed your sins, loved the Lord with all of your heart, and spent your time wisely – loving and serving other people? And most of all, do you have a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
Deep thoughts today. The church in her infinite wisdom knows that we need a regular reminder of just how short life really is. We need time to think about the condition of our soul and the reality of eternal life.
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For further reading on this subject I highly recommend:
This homily by Father Joseph Pellegrino.
