Dust

Christine at Abbey of the Arts writes: Lent begins this week. During the imposition of ashes at the Ash Wednesday service some of us will hear the words “from dust you came and to dust you shall return.” The ashes are a tangible reminder of our temporal bodies. I love this beginning to the season of conversion and re-ordering of priorities. The reminder of our mortality is meant to confront us with the preciousness of our days and demands that we ask how we want to spend our time. “Return to me with your whole heart,” says the prophet Joel in the opening scripture for this service. Return, renew your commitment, begin again. This week’s Poetry Party is an invitation to explore through poetic imagery the reality of our shared limits and what stirs in us in response. How does the awareness of Ash Wednesday shape your commitment for the Lenten season ahead?

Ash, on my forehead

Ash:Forests reduced to

Homes devastated

Bodies burnt

Ash Wednesday

Dust

Hope?

Silent in the ashes

Cheryl has posted some beautiful worship space ideas as those of us further away contemplate the devastation of the bush fires and also note the moments of miracle. This Melbourne team include space to confront the issue of deliberately lit fires. Hard stuff. And real.