"Ash Wednesday" - Carl Spitzweg
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’
Luke 18:9-14
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Imposition of ashes:
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Thanks Mimi. Our church here is more evangelical, they don't observe the church calendar.I even considered trying to find the Catholic Church today. Thank you for this post, I feel a little less disconnected.
ReplyDeleteNow I need to find some ashes!
Sara, find a Catholic church and get your ashes. I'm going at 12 noon to get mine - to my Episcopal church, which keeps the calendar, thanks be to God.
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