March 9, Ash Wednesday

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. — Psalm 51:(see 3)

Mass Readings: Joel 2:12-18 / 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 / Matthew 6:1-6,16-18  

Wholehearted 

Today, we begin the Lenten journey with a call from Joel to return to the Lord with whole hearts. What does that mean? Last Ash Wednesday I felt God urging me to draw closer to Him by changing one bad habit: the way I was starting my day. Typically, I’d sit with a cup of coffee at the computer to read news and emails, too often losing track of time and screeching into the church parking lot seconds before Mass began. I was treating this special time with God like an afterthought, not the focal point of my day. 

My Lenten penance was simple but effective. I traded online news for the Scriptures and got to church on time, better mentally and spiritually prepared. 

Prayer: Lord, help us give more of our hearts to You and less to worldly concerns.