By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.
Genesis 3:19
All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.
Ecclesiastes 3:20
Pastor John Writes:
The season of Lent reminds us of our mortality and our dependence upon God. The season begins with Ash Wednesday each year, a day to recall the words from Genesis and Ecclesiastes: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These verses reflect the important truth we know, that our lives are fleeting — but they also point us toward a greater reality, our need for repentance and renewal in Christ.
Lent is a season of reflection, fasting, and prayer, where we turn away from sin and draw closer to God. Just as Adam was formed from the dust by God’s hands, so too are we called to be shaped and molded by Him.
In recognizing our mortality, we also recognize the hope we have in Christ. Even though earthly life is temporary, and our bodies will one day return to the earth, our souls are made for eternity with God. Lent challenges us to look beyond all of our distractions and focus on what truly matters — our relationship with our Creator.
As we journey through this season, may we embrace the call to humility, repentance, and renewal. Let us remember that though we are dust, we are also deeply loved, redeemed, and called to new life with our Savior.
Peace to you,
The Rev. John G. Rights
