We begin the season of Lent by acknowledging our sins and admitting our faults. Rather than blame others or hide from our shortcomings, we place ashes on our foreheads as a sign and confession that we need Jesus to receive forgiveness and mercy.
As God confronts Adam and Eve about their actions, we discern the natural consequences of sin, whereby division arises and separates us from the Lord and one another.
The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Once they commit this Original Sin, their relationships begin to unravel with God.
The response from Psalm 33 echoes the wonder and awe in our hearts as we acknowledge the beauty of creation. May our awareness of creation help us to discern the contrast of our sin, inspiring us to run to Christ for the grace we need.
As the Lord speaks with his disciples, he reveals his suffering, death and resurrection. May this sacrifice inspire us to recognize our sins and return to Christ, who reveals God’s love through the Cross.
Both Ezekiel and Psalm 51 offer the beautiful image of God cleansing our souls with pure water that washes away our sins. May the image inspire us to repent and run to the Lord, who longs purify our hearts.
Today’s psalm both acknowledges our struggles and affirms our faith in God’s grace. May we turn to the Lord in our times of trial and draw strength from the one who died that we might have eternal life.