Wednesday 9th March

Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18: Psalm 51;
2 Cor 5: 20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.

Now is the favourable time.

Today marks the start of a merciful forty day period of preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus, the work of our salvation. We turn to God in sorrow for our sins, have our foreheads marked with a cross of ashes at our parish liturgy, and, (age permitting) abstain from meat today, and undertake a fast. We pray cleansing from our sins: “Spare your people, Lord. Show your tender mercy and compassion. Be slow to anger, rich in graciousness and ready to relent.” I open my heart to God and admit my need to change.