Ashes to Ashes

Some weeks more than others the sense that the “world is burning” is hard to shake. The news is replete with stories of places where war persists, treaties and promises are broken, and the worst of the human spirit is exhibited in ways that are painful to see and too hard for the soul to bear. The heartbreak and concern is palpable at a time when hatred and fear are driving political will, endangering lives, and threatening democracy. These challenges are global phenomenon which call for attention to civil rights, human rights, and a just world for all.

This week, Christians around the world will begin the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday services and observations. The forty days of Lent (46 days inclusive of Sundays) run from February 18, 2026, to Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. This year, the Lenten season coincides with Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which begins the evening of February 17, 2026, and ends on March 19, 2026. These are High Holy days for both traditions, a time for strengthening faith through self-reflection, fasting, and observance of other spiritual disciplines. This is a time of transformation focused on generosity, kindness and love with the expectation of deeper relationship with God. These focal points are accompanied by the call to action and justice.

The quest for a just world for all is an act of faith. The invitation to do justice is a part of faith traditions, the call to act on behalf of others, ensuring all are cared for and have what they need. These days, as issues erupt in our communities and around the world, action is required as a part of the commitment to faith. It is not enough to be selective about the issues that we are concerned about. There may be areas that are more familiar, or challenges that connect personally and professionally, and the commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves.

And, while we all may not be able to actively support every issue presented, the awareness and education about the communities we live in and the challenges facing our neighbors is a part of the commitment to justice. Neighbors are being taken on the streets of the United States and are losing their lives even as neighbors are losing their lives around the globe to genocide, war, civil unrest and other acts of violence.

As we reflect on the Lenten season and justice in the world, there are emerging challenges as we address the myriad of issues which are in the news. The failed cease fire in Gaza is resulting in continued atrocities, with threats of a renewed war coming from the Israeli government. Hopes for the end of the war persist, even as genocide continues.

Civil war continues in Sudan with the displacement of people, crimes against humanity, and a determination that genocide is being committed. The world is mostly silent on the challenges facing the people of Sudan. There, too, justice and action are needed.

And then, there is Cuba. The January 26, 2026 Executive Order: Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba is creating additional crisis for the people of Cuba. The imposition of added sanctions on the Caribbean island has resulted in lack of fuel and the means for supporting aid and relief agencies addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a reminder of our mortality, and an act of repentance. The reminder of our death is a reminder of the death of others, at a time when lives are experienced as expendable and some lives seem to be worth more than others. Our repentance in this season, the commitment to justice and the challenges of the world around us are a renewed call to action.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” This Lenten season is a time for addressing the burning of the world, and the ashes that are accumulating from destroyed lives and hopes.

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