I have spent the last few years like Martha - very busy. Only Mary knows that Jesus needs, what he truly needs. However, while both KNOW the Lord's will, only one of them seems to UNDERSTAND the Lord's desire.

Neither Mary, nor Martha, are going against Christ's will! Both know the needs of Jesus (for Mary it is to serve and worship him, for Martha it is to serve and care for him).Р”Сћ. I was struck by a few things in this narrative.Р”РЋ. Jesus tells her 'Mary has chosen what is better, and it shall not be taken from her'. Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is doing nothing. Her sister Mary is washing the Lord's feet. She is preparing a meal for Jesus who is visiting her house. I have recently been wrestling with the text of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). However, the Ash Wednesday service also reminds me that life God's gift! It is a gift from God and can be given back to God as a gift! Indeed, life is short.Р”Вuring last year I had to undergo surgery and treatment for cancer. My father passed away 4 weeks and 6 days ago. He was killed just over a week ago in a motorcar accident on his way back from a Church meeting - life is short. He was a great student! He did 9 subjects last year, he passed them all and passed some with distinction. Tomorrow morning I shall awake at 3.45 AM to drive to Newcastle to participate in the funeral of one of the students who studied at the seminary last year, the Rev Godfrey Baqwa. Today's service was significant for because since we last met in the College Chapel for this very service (Ash Wednesday 2007) I have numerous encounters with death. Life must be spent in dedicated and loving service - service of God, and service of the people whom God loves. It must be spent in honour of Christ and in fulflilling Christ's will for your life. It cannot be wasted on inconsequential things. It serves as a rich reminder that life is short. However, I have come to appreciate the rhythm of memory that is created by celebrating these significant events that mark important events in the life of Christ, and in the lives of Christians.Р”В¬entral to the Ash Wednesday service is a moment in which one has Ash (normally from a burnt palm branch) placed upon one's head and the ministers says From dust you came, to dust you shall return. In many less traditional Christian Churches these festivals in the Christian calendar are not celebrated. It marks the start of the 40 days that lead up to Easter. We used a magnificent liturgy (chosen by the students) from John van de Laar's 'Sacredise' website (he has many exceptional worship resources to aid Churches - many of them are free).Р”Р„sh Wednesday marks the start of Lent. The service itself was extremely meaningful. It was a truly significant end to a wonderful day. This evening we held an Ash Wednesday service in our College Chapel.

From dust you came to dust you return