Prayer

Prayer:

Psalm 94 Gospel Acclamation from Ash Wednesday Mass

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!

If today you hear his voice,

harden not your hearts.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!    

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day Lenten season for Catholics, acting as a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and repentance before Easter. 

At Ash Wednesday Mass the ashes on the forehead, symbolize our mortality and a commitment to spiritual renewal. The ashes are made from burning the palms from last year's Palm Sunday. Traditionally the ashes are applied in a cross on the forehead with the words from Scripture, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," or "Repent and believe in the Gospel". Ashes represent humility, repentance, and recognition that as humans we are fragile, and this emphasises the need for God. 

Today we start a 40-day period of reflection, prayer, and almsgiving - this year we are again teaming up with Project Compassion. Lent is a time of preparing our hearts for the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. 

Ondre Nejman | Leader of Faith Formation and Mission