Dust - Remember!

We have had recourse to the Ashes of last Wednesday to cleanse our airways and ear passages remembering once again that only the Word of God can offer protection against the final dust that falls like a shadow over our life - the dust of the grave.

And now for the next six weeks or so, we will be offered opportunities to remember that we are dust, but also destined for immortality, that we are sinners, but redeemed by the love of God made tangible and near in the life, death and Resurrection of his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Remember that Jesus, human like us in all things but sin, was challenged by Satan to turn his attention to self-satisfaction, power and prestige, but he chose to remain focused on the Will of God and sent the devil away, tail between his legs.

So we are reminded to keep our attention on Jesus, “Who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection”, and not lose direction worrying about whether the devil has ‘bound’ the nation or its leaders or us so that we cannot make our way towards heaven.

Remember that the Word of God, in the Scriptures and in the Prayer of the Church and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, is the most powerful remedy against our weakness and our perennial tendency to look for the easy way when Jesus invites us to take the narrow way leading to life.

That prayer is essential, not a recital of words, but an entering into our secret place to meet God who is waiting for us there, requiring our attention, fidelity and humble listening. Hard practices for people like us who prefer to talk, text or dramatise, presenting our own opinion whether we know what we are talking about or not, anything rather than the asceticism of silence. Yet, without silence, it is difficult to enter into conversation or to sustain a relationship.

Remember that since the Word became flesh and lived among us, God continues to become incarnate in the neighbour, the spouse, the co-worker, and so our transformation into Christ has to pass through our ordinary human interactions.

So quite rightly, Archbishop Harris challenges us to practise hospitality during this Lent. Welcome the other and so entertain angels, Christ Himself.

If this Lent leads us to become people who are more courteous and careful of the feelings of others, more generous with our gifts and possessions, more welcoming and supportive of the stranger, the visitor, the co-worker, the entire climate of the nation will be changed for the better.

If we truly want a reduction in violence, practise kindness. If we want a safer environment, practise hospitality. If we want clean surroundings, practise respect for nature. If we want the power to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, get to know Him.

Pray, fast from greed, violent speech and self-indulgence and cultivate generosity to everyone. Start now, alone or with your family, you have the power to make meaningful change.