Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday begins the Church’s journey into Lent, calling us to return to the Lord with honest repentance and renewed trust in His mercy. Marked by ashes and grounded in God’s Word, the day reminds us that our hope is not in ourselves but in the God who forgives, restores, and leads His people back to life.

Readings for Today

Old Testament — Joel 2:12–19 or Jonah 3:1–10

Both readings show that when God calls His people to return to Him with repentant hearts, He responds with mercy, turning judgment aside and restoring those who seek Him.

Epistle — 2 Peter 1:2–11

Peter urges us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, adding to our faith the virtues that keep us steadfast and fruitful in Him.

Gospel — Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

Jesus calls us to practice repentance, prayer, and generosity in humility, seeking the Father who sees in secret.

Psalm — Psalm 51:1–3, 14–19 (v. 5)

David teaches us that true repentance begins with honesty before God, trusting Him to create a clean heart and restore the joy of salvation.

Thought for the Day

“Ash Wednesday teaches us that repentance is not despair but the doorway through which God leads us back to life.”