A Lenten Reflection

At the beginning of Lent this year, my Lutheran pastor uttered the familiar line at our Zoom Ash Wednesday service – “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Another minister, the Rev. Jenny Phillips, a Methodist, writes that basically, an alternative way to translate the Hebrew word adama – “dust” in Genesis 2:7 – is “earth.”

“Remember that you are earth, and to earth you shall return.”

In this case, we are made of the same substance as the earth, and so our fates are bound together. I strongly believe that we are called to be stewards of this earth from which we are made.

In this time of Lent, I am reminded again of the great commandment to love God and our neighbors. To many of us, loving and honoring God means caring, stewarding, and preserving God’s good creation and the environment around us.

For the Lenten season (and beyond), perhaps we can put our faith into action and renew our commitment to God by focusing a portion of our remaining Lenten fast on Creation Care.

Here are some ideas:

• Spend an afternoon in reflection as you pick up trash in your neighborhood.

• Fast from excess water use.

• Give up plastic bags for lent.

• Attempt to go plastic-free for 40 days.

• Volunteer to plant trees or live stake plants with PA IPL or another environmental group.

• Lessen your environmental impact by reducing your meat consumption.

• Walk somewhere instead of driving your car, which can give you more time to meditate and reflect.

• Consider converting to renewable energy.

• Make a change at home and install more energy saving light bulbs.

These acts of faith provide us, as well as the environment, with rebirth.

In closing, may your Lenten journey be a meaningful one and along the way, may you enjoy the beauty in our Creator’s gift of this precious planet.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Dempsie, a boardmember of PA Interfaith Power and Light, lives in Williamsburg.