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Ash Wednesday • Year B
February 14, 2024
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Historical Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 1549)
Thematic Collect
Merciful God, turn our hearts toward you, bringing us to repentance. Through your great mercy, grant us clean hearts and renew in us a right spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
During Lent, we sing the words of Joel before the public reading of the Holy Gospel. “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” Turning to the Lord, we remember the promise of the gospel, that God blots out our transgressions, and for Christ’s sake, makes us whiter than snow. We remember in song that he who never sinned became the sin of the whole world, so that those who believe in him might become the very righteousness of God. This is the hallowed will of the Father, that we be forgiven in Christ, and thereby delivered from evil.
First Reading • Joel 2:12-19
Real repentance is not simply going through religious motions or rituals. The heart must accompany the outer action for them to be acceptable to the Lord. This is what the first part of the greatest commandment teaches us. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart...” (Matt 22:36-40) Loving the Lord with all your heart and soul is what drives loving neighbor and all other obedience to the Law and Prophets.
Psalm • Psalm 51:1-13, 14-19
Knowing one's sinfulness is the beginning. Admitting it through confession must follow. When we confess our sins, absolution always follows. God is faithful to forgive all true repentance (1John 1:9). Confession of sin, instead of denying it or trying to hide it, is walking in the light. Confession is always the start toward a clean heart and a corrected spirit.
Second Reading • 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Today is the day! No matter what else may be happening to you, this day is favorable for salvation. It is not to be taken lightly, for so much has been done to make salvation acceptable. Jesus died so that you may live. “Be reconciled to God” while it is still today.
Gospel • Matthew 6:1-13
Do not simply practice righteousness; be righteous in your practice. Righteousness begins as a secret thing—an affair of the heart. If your treasure is the Father's approval, your reward will be great, though no one but you and God may know the reason. Whether praying or fasting or giving, do these acts of righteousness privately and the Lord will reward you.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
