Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent. It occurs 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a movable feast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. It can occur as early as February 4 (February 5 on leap years) or as late as March 10.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are typically gathered after the palms or Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned.

During the Lent season we reflect on spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting and self denial and almsgiving. Most of us live very busy lives. Pressure is on us to get things done and how easy it is to neglect the things of the spirit.

Lent is a special time to pray and meditate on God's word and His love for us. Ponder on the sacrifice of Jesus Who left Heaven to come down to earth and die for our sins. Let us spend time and ponder on verses of Scripture such as the following.

Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.— Genesis 3:19
Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.— Mark 1:15
Repent, and hear the good news. — Mark 1:15

Let this Lent season be a time of spiritual renewal.I make this my daily prayer especially during this Lent season.

"Search me O God, and know my heart today;
Try me O Saviour, and know my thoughts I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free." Edwin Orr

I share with you a prayer written many years ago by an old saint.

"O Lord and Heavenly Father, Who has given unto us Your people the true bread that comes down from heaven, even Your Son Jesus Christ, grant that throughout this Lent our souls may be fed by Him that we may continually live in Him and He in us; and that day by day we may be renewed in spirit by the power of His endless life, Who gave Himself for us and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever"
Frederick B Macnutt (1873- 1949)