Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025  

---

Today's Scripture
Hebrews 12:1–6, 12–14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children — “My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.” Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (NRSV)

---

Reflection

I sometimes fear death. And, at the risk of sounding quite selfish, I fear my own death. I suspect I’m not alone. We live in a world that distracts us from our mortality — self-improvement plans, anti-aging treatments, endless busyness. We joke about death, document our lives on social media as if to prove we are anything but dead, yet deep down we fear the inevitable.

But today, Ash Wednesday, we pause.

“You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words, spoken as ashes are placed on our foreheads, are blunt and painfully honest. We are mortal. Our bodies will not last forever.

Our scriptures urge us to “lay aside every weight” and run with endurance, not in fear, but in faith. Lent invites us into this work — turning inward, confessing our sins, and releasing what burdens us. It is not about denial or despair but about making space for God’s grace.

Facing our mortality is not meant to paralyze us. It is meant to free us. When we let go of the illusion of control, we step into the deeper mystery of faith: that while our bodies fail, our souls rest in God. While death is certain, it does not have the last word.

For in forty days, we will proclaim again the greatest truth of all — God has conquered death. And if death does not define us, then neither do our fears.

So today, receive the ashes. Acknowledge your limits. Confess your failings. And then look up. Live fully, freely, and faithfully in the God who is the beginning and the end, the One whose love holds us beyond dust and ashes.

---

Prayer
O God of life and death, as we enter this holy season of Lent, remind us that our days are held in your hands alone. Free us from fear, that we may live with courage, hope, and trust in your unending love. Amen.

---

Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email