The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words, taken from the Book of Common Prayer, are spoken on Ash Wednesday as the priest marks our foreheads with a cross of ashes. The words and the cross are to remind us of what we truly are – finite creatures totally dependent on the God of love for everything we have, including our very lives. Every year, this ancient ritual inaugurates the season of Lent because humans are so prone to forget this basic fact. Our days are hectic, full of chores and activities, tasks to perform and schedules to keep. It is easy to forget that we are not the author of our lives nor are we life’s sustainer. The fact that our hearts beat and our blood flows is pure gift. The fact that our bodies move and our minds think is a miracle beyond our making. The basic truth about life is that we are all the beneficiaries of an immense blessing, one we can never repay, but one we are called to accept each day with humility and gratitude.

Jesus says, “whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” This Lent, I hope you will take some time during your busy day to go into your room and pray. Thank God for the amazing gift of life you have been given. Thank God for the opportunity to live yet another day. Because each one of us is God’s miracle, God’s beloved child, and as such we are indeed blessed beyond measure.

Blessings,

Randy+

Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 827)