A prayer as we begin this season of repentance and renewal.
This time of Lent calls us to new life.
Behold now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Today, on Ash Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent. The word Lent comes from an Old English word meaning 'spring’ and around us we begin to see the signs of growth and new life that this season brings.
It is to renewal and transformation that Lent calls us. If we receive ashes today, we may hear the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This phrase, evoking the creation story in the Book of Genesis, reminds us of our mortality and fragility before God. Yet it also reminds us that we are loved – we are dust into which God breathed his life and then came to dwell amongst us. Perhaps today, we hear these words too as a call to action. Time is precious – let’s use it wisely.
Urgency is present too in today’s second reading: “Now is the favourable time,” writes Paul to the Christian community in Corinth, “now is the day of salvation.”
So, let’s embrace this time of Lent as a time to grow in our love of God and our neighbour. As we hear stories in the weeks ahead about the gardens planted by our sisters and brothers throughout the world, may our prayer, fasting and giving bring us closer to the Lord, who will surely work through us to bring forth renewed life.
Prayer
Creator God,
ground us in the good news,
so in this time of Lent,
we may grow as disciples
and care for all you have made.
Amen.
Act
As we begin our Lenten journey, let’s pray that our fasting, giving and prayer will draw us nearer to God and our neighbours.
Join us in prayer, fasting and almsgiving as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.