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.
