Ash Wednesday

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Day of Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine

In other years: Saint Chad (-672)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 25 Serious Faults

Mass:

Of my sin cleanse me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, GOD OF PEACE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to Ash Wednesday

As has become customary, I include for Ash Wednesday a piece sent to me a few years ago by Archbishop Arthur Roche. Archbishop Roche was appointed Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments by Pope Francis, last May 2021. Archbishop Roche served as Secretary of the Congregation since 2012. We enter, then, this season of fasting and feasting.

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feast,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

United in faith and prayer on this day of prayer and fasting, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. Kyrie, eleison.

SAINT CHAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

© Gertrude Feick 2022