Feb. 26, 2020 - Ash Wednesday

"Even now says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God."

Joel 2: 12-18

Photo: The burning of the 2019 palms to be used for the ashes on Ash Wednesday

Reflection

The Lent observance begins with this day!  Today's readings focus on the conversion of our hearts. The turning of our hearts to our God, who is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in kindness."  God wants our whole heart.

Let us be grateful to our Loving God who blesses us each day with the abundance of graces in Christ Jesus Our Lord. 

From this day forward as we move through the days of Lent, let us "look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing." RB 49:7

Gospel Acclamation:

"If today you hear his voice,

harden not your hearts."

Psalm 95:8

Contemplation/Action

Through this reading, what is God asking me to do, to be or to change?