Reflection Questions:

  1. How does remembering that we are dust keep us in a sobering understanding of our fallibility, limitations and mortality? 

  2. In light of being dust, how does God remind you to hope and trust in His steadfast love?

Spiritual Practice: Memento Mori 

Memento Mori is a Latin phrase that means “remember you will die.” It is a practice that has been around for centuries, used to reflect on the reality of death as a way to help us consider how we live in light of its inevitability. This practice is not meant to be depressing, but rather encourages us to focus our time and attention on the things that give life and meaning.

Steps:

  • Prayerfully invite God into this time of reflection.

  • Imagine the end of your life, how you want to be remembered, and the legacy you hope to leave behind. 

  • Take some time to write down the things that come to mind.

  • Consider if there is anything this week that God is inviting you to incorporate in your life.

  • End with gratitude, embracing our finitude and remembering that death is not final for Jesus has conquered death (1 Cor 15:26, 55-57).