Ash Wednesday: God Loves Us Even in Our Dustiness

As we begin our Lenten journey, Presiding Bishop Michael B.Curry reminds us of two remarkable aspects of Lent and connects us to The Way of Love.

“Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess
your Name may be united in your truth, live together
in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.”

—The Book of Common Prayer

Lent has two quite remarkable bookends. Today, on Ash Wednesday we are reminded that we are dust and that God loves us even in our dustiness. At the end of this season, we will celebrate the power that God’s love has to transform this world.

Easter reminds us that not even death can keep us from God’s unconditional love. As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus this Lent, we know that living out God’s love for the world is our ultimate goal.

We also know that this walk with Jesus won’t be easy. Following Jesus takes us through Good Friday and the cross. There will be struggles; there will be times when we stumble, but we are not alone. We are bound to one another as children of God. We share with Jesus in God’s beloved family.

God came among us in the person of Jesus to show us how to be more than simply the human race. He came to show us how to realize God’s dream, God’s purpose, God’s plan for us and for all creation.

Whatever devotion you practice this season of Lent, either giving up something that ties you to this world or taking on a spiritual task or discipline, let it be something that helps you participate in the movement of God’s love in this world, following in the footsteps of Jesus and loving one another. #WayofLove

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry is the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church and the Honorary Chair (ex-officio) of Episcopal Relief & Development’s Board of Directors.

This blog appears in the 2019 Lenten Meditations booklet. You can Download or subscribe to receive similar daily meditations in both English and Spanish at www.episcopalrelief.org/lent.