Ash Wednesday

Today we begin our 40 day journey through Lent toward Easter (not counting Sundays). We recognize that this is a season for self-examination, prayer, fasting, and repentance.

We reorient ourselves toward God, the Only One who can save us through Jesus. Friends, we can only face our sins and repent when we rest in the deep truth of Jesus’ love reminding us whose we are and that sin does not define us. God defines us. So lean into God’s love, mercy and grace.

In that place, I invite you to pray with the Psalmist:

“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin…
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:1-2, 10)

Amen