Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of
Lent. During Lent we repent of our sins
and rededicate our lives to living out our baptism into Christ’s death and
resurrection.
Scripture
reading:
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all
your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts
and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and
merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over
disaster. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing
behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God? Blow
the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the
people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even
nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. Between
the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep and
say, “Spare your people, O LORD, and make not your heritage a reproach, a
byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is
their God?’” Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his
people. The LORD answered and said to his people, “Behold, I am sending to you grain,
wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied; and I will no more make you a
reproach among the nations. (Joel 2:12-19)
Collect
of the Day:
Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You
have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may received from You
full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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