Wednesday 5 March

ASH WEDNESDAY

Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Ps 51, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Be sincere

While God loves us to pray, help each other and make sacrifices, he prefers these activities to be kept confidential. Rather than advertising our holiness, generosity and sacrifice, Jesus suggests we give quietly to the needy, pray in private and act cheerfully when fasting; God will reward us later. Doing as Jesus advises, of course, presupposes our almsgiving, prayer and sacrifice are for love of God and our neighbour.

Bless our quiet time with you, God, so when we go out to do your will our focus is on working for you alone for the benefit of others.