Tonight I decided to attend the Ash Wednesday service at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle. I have only been there for Compline services in the past. As I walked into the sanctuary I was disoriented by the lighting. I can only recall coming inside Saint Marks when the lights have been dimmed for the chanting of the monks.
As the service was about to start, there was a bell chiming at a regular interval. I imagined that my heart and the hearts of everyone in the place were being calmed to a common rate. I imagined that our hearts were beating in time with the heart of God. Over the course of the service I received two blessings from two different clergymen. The first was “Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” And the second was “Joshua, may you know God’s blessing this day and every day of your life.” And so I am; dust animated for the purpose of participating in God’s healing work in this world, until I am dust once more.
albaniacalling 