Ash Wednesday

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family 

In other years: Saint Methodius (826?-885) and Saint Cyril (827?-869), brothers born in Thessalonica who went to Moravia to preach the faith. They translated liturgical texts into the Slavonic language and invented the Glagolithic and possibly the Cyrillic alphabet. Alrighty then. 

Readings of the Day: 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.

HOLY FAMILY, FAITHFUL IN OBSERVANCE OF DIVINE LAWS,

MARY, VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Spare, O Lord, Your people.

(Joel 2:17)

Welcome to Ash Wednesday. As has become customary over the years of publishing a reflection, on Ash Wednesday I pass along the following from Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship. As we add to our usual measure of service something by way of private prayer and abstinence of food or drink, then, so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (see Rule of Saint Benedict, Ch. 49), it may be helpful to go about the season in any of the following ways. Why not choose one fast and feast. Kyrie eleison. 

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

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on 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 feasting, gift us with Your presence, so that we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen. 

United in faith and prayer, we go forth. Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).

SAINT METHODIUS,

SAINT CYRIL,

21 COPTIC MARTYRS OF LIBYA,

SAINT VALENTINE,

SAINT BENEDICT,

PRAY FOR US.

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

© Gertrude Feick 2024