Today is Ash Wednesday. I always remember the words said while ashes are placed on my forehead, “Remember, man, you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Thirty years ago I made an Ignatian Retreat using the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Early in the retreat I spent a prayer session with verses from Isaiah. I had a strong reaction from these two versus:
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. [Isaiah 43:1-2]
I wrote in my prayer journal:
This is the first time since I started the Exercises that I felt moved by the readings. I really felt loved. I felt special. I could put myself in God’s place and say the same to my daughters. You are precious to me and I love you. I don’t think we can love someone without them being precious to us.
Later I wrote, “I had an image of walking with Jesus after death. It was very peaceful.”
It is true. Our bodies will return to dust; at least for a while. However, we were not created for this life alone. We were created to be in Heaven with God for eternity. I told my spiritual director how the thought of walking with Jesus after death was very welcome. She reminded me of St. Augustine’s comment, “our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
I am going to approach Lent this year focusing on the embolism used after the Our Father in the past. I am going to, “wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” I look forward to walking with Him, but not yet.
Greg Gillen
© 2026 Greg Gillen
February 18, 2026
Image Credit/Jonah Preaching in Nineveh/Andrea Vaccaro, (1604-1670)/photo: Public Domain
Scripture/Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition
