Ash Wednesday

Yet even now—oracle of the LORD— return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God,For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment. Joel 2: 12-13

Ash Wednesday: Joel 2: 12-18; Matthew 6: 1-6 We are dust, and unto dust we shall all return. These words will be repeated today in churches throughout the world. They remind us that without God we are nothing and that without God nothing is possible. The words free us from illusions and false expectations as we prepare to journey in faith with Jesus. The readings today call us to rend our hearts and not our garments; to go to our inner room, close the door, and pray to our Father in secret. Let today’s psalm response be our prayer: “Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.” O Lord, how hard it is to let go and let you lead me into the wilderness. How hard it is to believe that change is possible in my life. Show me your way, and I will follow you — Lent: The Journey of Faith