A daily Lenten e-mail with lessons of hope and courage, inspired by a variety of resources to encourage us in these confusing and turbulent times from St. Luke’s Church, Lebanon.
I would rather wear the smudge on my forehead than to admit its residence upon my soul. I prefer a crude cross above my eyes to any questions about runny mascara or razor burn. In a place where self-confidence is rewarded and any sign of weakness or emotional predisposition is held suspect, it is difficult to consider actually following the advice of the prophet to return to the Lord with fasting, with weeping and with mourning. It is, however, acceptable — maybe even fashionable to appear in public with a dirty forehead as a sign that I have religion. It is amazing how symbols of piety, like sackcloth ashes, have been transformed into mask that hides me from myself and circumvents the intent of Ash Wednesday.
Scripture Lessons appointed for the day
(Click on a lesson for the text)
Joel 2:1-2,12-17
II Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Psalm 103
(Click on a lesson for the text)
Joel 2:1-2,12-17
II Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Psalm 103
Rend Your Hearts…
Spend some time in prayer and ask God if there are there things in your life from which you need to repent.
Have you started chasing after sin and stopped chasing after God?
Do you need to return back to God with all of your heart?
Have you started chasing after sin and stopped chasing after God?
Do you need to return back to God with all of your heart?
Listen to the song by John Foley to hear the call of God calmly and quietly
Today, keep your eyes open to things in your life that have caused you to turn away from God and look for ways to turn your heart back to God.
Repent!
God is gracious!!
Source: Rector’s Blog