Ash Wednesday

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

In other years: Saint Peter's Chair

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:7-11 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass:  Joel 2;12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

(2 Cor 6:2)

Here we go, dear faithful readers. We pray to God: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Help us, dear Lord, to deny ourselves of some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (see Rule of Saint Benedict, 49:7). 

As has been customary, I include a piece sent to me a few years ago by then Archbishop, now Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect for the Congregation of Divine Worship. Thank you, Cardinal Roche.

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.

SAINT PETER,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2023