We are human beings, dust, beloved of God; we—each one of us—are of ultimate worth….We are created for eternity! What is someones criticism compared to that?
We spend so much energy on things that don’t matter: how we look—what people think of us—what we have or what others have— if we will get a promotion—whose sports team is going to win. We spend so much energy on things that don’t matter.… This, of course, is why Lent is a period of self-examination and penance. We need to stop and look at our lives—remember what we are made of, remember where we are going—and let go of all those things that don’t really matter, all those things that get in the way of loving God, loving others, and being loved by God and by others. Remember, you are nothing but dust: Precious dust, molded and formed in the womb by a loving God, precious, precious and beloved are you. Remember, you are nothing but dust, and to dust shall you return: Unique and precious, you are created for eternity. Remember, you are nothing but dust: And that makes you free—free from human ambition—free from prideful denial —free from fear—free; free at last! Remember, Dust you are, and
