Ash Wed. 2026 Reflection

 

Rev. George Miller

Feb 18, 2026-Ash Wed

John 10:1-21

 

Tonight we gather mindful of our mortality.  Right here, we wonder if we matter.

 

Right now we ask if all we do is for naught if, at the end of it all, we die, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

 

Will we be remembered?  Will our legacy live on?  Will our memories fade away forever?

 

Like sheep caught in a storm or in a valley with little grass, we may be afraid, unsure, worried.

 

This is where we are invited to take in a breath; believe it to be the same breath of God that moved over the waters of creation.

 

To realize that right here, right now, Christ is present, God loves us and has always loved us, and that the Holy Spirit has created a shelter right here, in these rocks and stone and stained glass and wooden pews and scripture and song.

 

For those online the Holy Spirit has created a shelter wherever you are, whenever you are, of technology, internet and the talents of those making this possible.

 

In our collective shelters of time and space, we breathe, we relax, we are present.

 

No matter what others may say, no matter the circumstance we are in, we are not permanently lost, for in Christ we are found, and we are beloved.

 

As today’s reading reminds us, Jesus, who came to us as God Incarnate on Christmas Day, knows our name and calls out to us.

 

Because Jesus faced the mortality of life, he too understand what it is like to live, to be aware of death, and to even wonder “My God, my Gd, why have you forsaken me?”

 

Today, we are reminded that the vulnerable child we met in the manger is with us right now, to be our Good Shepherd, to stand with us in the face of thieves and rainy days, wolves and unending storms.

 

Tonight, we may not understand the mysteries of life or reasons why we die, but we know that we are sisters and brothers in Christ, part of heaven’s flock. 

 

United, not divided. 

 

Called to live each day with grace and courage, a desire to learn and a willingness to accept our mistakes and the errors of others.

 

To trust that in Christ, a life well lived is one that will end its journey hearing the words “You are a good and faithful servant.”

 

Tonight, we are aware that we will all die, but we celebrate that in Christ we get to live, live, live.

 

Amen.