As we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, our attention is turned to a lowly and humble substance, and that is ashes.
The ashes are sprinkled on our foreheads to remind us of two aspects of our lives.
Firstly, it is to remind us to turn away from sin and to be faithful to the gospel.
Secondly, it is also to remind us that we are dust and to dust we shall return.
Yes, these lowly and insignificant ashes are used as reminders as we begin the season of Lent.
It reminds us that we are sinners and we are in need of God's forgiveness.
We desire for earthly rewards of attention and we use ways and means to get what we want even if it is wrong and sinful.
We hold tightly to earthly possessions and we think we would be happy if we have more of what we want.
But ashes reminds us that all that is earthly will pass and will turn to dust and ashes.
We too will pass and will eventually turn to dust and ashes.
When we can realise this, then we will turn to God who is eternal and everlasting.
God is our only true reward. Let us turn to Him alone and nothing else.