Ash Wednesday

Don't be led astray; worldly affairs are just a dream-
because of its composite character, all creation is illusory.

Power and wealth are like dewdrops on a blade of grass-
they form in a single night, and evaporate in the morning.

Youth and strength is as transient as a bubble about to burst-
even as it comes into being it begins to disappear.

Nothing whatsoever in life is stable or permanent,
so why be deceived, thinking the ephemeral is enduring?

All that comes together must part in the end-
this is the truth of the nature of things.

Instead, focus on what will carry you to the other shore
and center yourself in Jesus, the Messiah who is deathless.