For almost forty years now, I have put ashes on the foreheads of elderly people, middle-aged people, young adults, youth, and even infants in their mothers’ arms, saying to each one, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
I remember as a new priest, signing a row of people with the admonition "Remember, you are dust .." ...and coming [unexpectedly] to my very young daughter. The decades old memory of touching her forehead... the amalgam of fear and love and awe that blossomed at that moment... is so vivid as to be beyond language. To this day, (especially in my room with the door shut) I recall the shock that even now jerks me out of auto pilot. How can I describe the gift of even a moment of conscious participation in the mystery of the world, in a single shared life - in God's dream.
Such a profound and poignant memory, Bill. Thank you. Reminds me of Jacob Needleman talking about those unforgettable moments that have a quality of timelessness about them, when our deepest, truest Self shows up, makes an appearance, and we realize, “I am.” “I am here. Really, fully present.” Thank you again.
I remember as a new priest, signing a row of people with the admonition "Remember, you are dust .." ...and coming [unexpectedly] to my very young daughter. The decades old memory of touching her forehead... the amalgam of fear and love and awe that blossomed at that moment... is so vivid as to be beyond language. To this day, (especially in my room with the door shut) I recall the shock that even now jerks me out of auto pilot. How can I describe the gift of even a moment of conscious participation in the mystery of the world, in a single shared life - in God's dream.
Such a profound and poignant memory, Bill. Thank you. Reminds me of Jacob Needleman talking about those unforgettable moments that have a quality of timelessness about them, when our deepest, truest Self shows up, makes an appearance, and we realize, “I am.” “I am here. Really, fully present.” Thank you again.
Looking forward to receiving your posts Gary Julia from Bremo
I miss my friends and my church home in Bremo Bluff! How good to hear from you, Julia.
Thank you for staying in touch. I am sure you are having adventures you must share your stories