ash wednesday today. it's such a necessary moment for episcopalians...we are a rich, staid denomination, and it's easy to forget that our places in the world are given, not earned.

at trinity church today's homily derided the narcissism and hypocrisy that pervades american culture and causes us to see our own lives as more important than the lives of other people. randy (the priest) emphasized that the lenten practice of fasting should be seen as a moment of consideration for the people and lands that produce food and for all the people who do not have enough food. at the peace, most of the tiny congregation congratulated me on my "stand for peace" flag (which is pinned to my sweatshirt today), and at the end of the service the second priest, joyce, said she would see me at the debate tonight. i love this parish.

and during the imposition of ashes all i could think of was the president. george bush, remember that you are but dust, and to dust you shall return. but i suppose it's not likely that he will, is it?