This is the sermon I preached on Ash Wednesday at Luther Seminary, Feb. 18, 2026. The first part of the sermon is an overview of the 5 weeks of Lent that are coming for the Luther Community. Learn more here.
The heart of the sermon begins with Matthew 6 and Jesus’ words about worry.
Then it moves to…
In his book, Adam’s Return, Richard Rohr offers five hard truths of male initiation rites. I think these truths speak the message of Ash Wednesday:
Life is hard.
You are not that important.
Your life is not about you.
You are not in control.
You are going to die.
We end up with the image I drew two years ago for Ash Wednesday.
I pray that you find encouragement in this sermon.
Blessings on your Lenten journey, beloved clump of dirt.
Thank you for the message and having it so well organized for distant learners! Praise to all from Idaho!
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