Friday after Ash Wednesday, 2006

Support us, O Lord, with thy gracious favor through the fast we have begun; that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Lectionary:
Psalm 51.1-10
Isaiah 58.1-9a
Matthew 9.10-17

Is 51.1 "Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest." KJV


Lent has begun. We are fully involved. It is so very easy at the beginning of this penitential season to be resolute, to maintain our fasting and extra intentions in prayer.

But, God requires much more than a good beginning. If we are to fully access his Divine Mercy, we must be consistent in keeping a good Lent. Our prayers must be more intentional, less scattered. Oh, I know how easy it is to let ourselves be distracted from prayer and merciful works; but think of the joy that can be ours as we come to the end of Lent, to the Great Vigil and know that we, like Paul, have kept the faith, we have run a good race, we have finished the course.

Look to the Psalmist, in verse 10 and 11, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy holy presence: and take not thy holy spirit from me."
Eternal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, hear us today, draw us close to you, inspire us to keep our vows for Lent, help us to remember our the true reason for keeping this holy penitential season; draw us ever closer to you and to your Christ, and give us your Peace in Him. Amen.