Joel 2:12-13; Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16 (NRSV)
Devotion
During Lent, the lectionary's major themes are full of food images. They urge toward fasting and feasting, lament and thanksgiving. Ash Wednesday nearly splinters the congregation in the tension between Joel's call to sanctify a fast and Matthew's challenge to refrain from sanctimony. We find resolution in doing the rite thing for the right reason. We observe the disciplines of Lent (fasting, almsgiving and works of charity) not for public consumption, but humbly, to approach our God for forgiveness and mercy. We express our hunger for God's help. We come with so many deep hungers to this season of fasting.
Prayer
O God, we weep and plead for your long-suffering mercy, newly realized in our lives through Jesus Christ, our suffering Savior. Amen.