February 17, 2021 ASH WEDNESDAY-B

Joel 2:12-18

Psalm 51

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

A clean heart create for me, O God… Ps. 51:10

“And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”  Mt 6:18

Lord, today we celebrate the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. On Valentine’s Day we revealed our love for spouses and those close to us with gifts and cards. Your love for me is revealed in your offer of forgiveness and mercy. That love will be confirmed on Good Friday and celebrated on Easter Sunday. Between today and then I know you will look on me with love and see the good and the beauty within me. You will also see what isn’t beautiful or good. This is what I pray, dear Jesus, I will leave behind this Lent. I pray for a purging of whatever is not worthy of you and whatever does not give you glory. I can’t hide from you my impure thoughts, my selfish desires, or my hardened heart. Help me to fast from these hidden sins. Lord, keep me in close touch with you in prayer everyday this Lent. May I be generous in acts of charity for the hungry and the lonely. I offer you all I am to be cleansed so I will grow in love with you. Purify my secret prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Amen.