Poetry, O Dust of the Earth, O Grandfather (2)
In this beautiful spiritual reflection, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about dust as a symbol of man’s beginning and end, reminding the human soul of its humble origin. He recites poetic verses expressing this deep truth: “O dust of the earth, my grandfather and the grandfather of all people, you are older than Adam in age, and you are my destiny when I am laid in the grave.”
Through these words, His Holiness reveals that dust is not merely dead matter, but a symbolic reminder of human humility before God, and a sign that all earthly glory fades before the truth of creation and death. Dust is both man’s origin and his inevitable end.
This reflection calls every person to humility and contemplation of eternity — not to boast of earthly things, but to remember that from dust he came and to dust he shall return. Yet, within this truth lies hope, for the same God who created man from dust can grant him eternal life through His divine Spirit.
🔹 Main Idea: Man was created from dust and will return to it — a truth that calls for humility before God.
🔹 Spiritual Dimension: Humility and hope in God who brings new life from dust.
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