(M. Martine 2023)
If there is one thing I know—
It is never quite good enough.
A heart never clean enough.
The result never holy enough.
And yet, we are loved.
If there is one thing I know—
I have walked by my hungry neighbor.
Ignored the dying breath of a species.
Put my wants past the needs of others.
And yet, I am loved.
If there is one thing I know—
We have taken Jesus, Word of God.
Spoken his name with unclean lips.
Twisted his message to our advantage.
And yet…
Even as we see the church lie bleeding
Gasping for a breath of what it was called to be.
Looking upon us, a mother disappointed…
Caring too much to show it.
Even as we see the world hurting
With problems beyond measure.
Children grappling to survive.
Even as we hear the cries
Of condemnation.
Categorization.
Judging the hue of a skin.
Still…
Still we…
Still…
The ashes come.
The words are spoken.
We are
And always have been…dust.
Beautiful dust, perhaps…
Dust formed in beauty by the Lord immortal.
Yet still, dust that will pass.
The ashes come.
And we remember
So much to do.
So much to fix.
So much to take in that
If we really look at it
It might crush us.
And yet, we are loved.
Loved.
Loved.
And love will carry us
Inspire us.
Heal us…and the world.
Until the kingdom come.
And dust is raised eternal.
