Ash Wednesday offers us an opportunity to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” as we repent of our sins and embrace time-tested spiritual practices. May this housecleaning of our hearts help us to renew our faith and draw us closer to the Lord and one another.
St. Paul switches his indictment on those who know God’s plan but do not apply it to themselves. Swift to judge others, they fail to evaluate their lives with the same scrutiny.
In the Gospel of Luke the Lord directs his attention to three local villages that did not repent and take his message to heart. It’s a sobering reminder for us today to repent of our sins and embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 51 offers a powerful opportunity for repentance and conversion of heart. When we honestly acknowledge our sins and ask for forgiveness, the Lord’s grace can heal and renew us with new life.
The parable of the Prodigal Son reveals two classic ways that we imperfectly follow our Father in Heaven. On one hand we commit sins, and finally wise up and repent; on the other hand we do the right thing but with a hard heart. Thank God for Jesus to guide us!
Jesus affirms the preaching of Jonah to repent. This is the constant message throughout salvation history: to acknowledge our sins and return to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness.
We begin the season of Lent by acknowledging our sins and embracing God’s mercy through repentance and conversion of heart. May these forty days help us draw closer to Jesus Christ and one another!