In this Ash Wednesday edition of our weekly newsletter from Scott Gunn and Forward Movement, Scott reflects on the “great gift in the Ash Wednesday liturgy.” Read his full letter for the day below.
Dear friends in Christ,
Today we begin the solemn journey of Lent. It is certainly sobering to have the ashes placed on our foreheads and to be reminded of our mortality. However, there is also a great gift in the Ash Wednesday liturgy. The service reminds us that life is precious and brief, something to be savored. And we are invited to turn away from those things which prevent us from growing into the full stature of Jesus Christ.
It does not take an observant person to see that our world is corrupted, filled with fear and violence. On Ash Wednesday we are given the great gift to confess our own sinful part of this world’s woes. And we are given an opportunity to savor the 40 days of Lent as an opportunity to embrace our calling as followers of Jesus Christ.
I do hope you’ll find your way to a church. You and I are dust. And you and I are also made in God’s image, called to follow Jesus Christ. Let us confess our sins and seek forgiveness. And then let us renew our commitment to our Redeemer and seek new hearts.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
The Collect for Ash Wednesday
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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