On Ash Wednesday, we read from the prophet Joel. Joel at the outset of the book laments a nation that has appeared to have lost God’s blessing. Perhaps, we are a nation who has appeared to have lost God’s blessing. Joel assures the people if they repent, God will richly reward them. The responsorial psalm for Ash Wednesday is “Be Merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.” At most Masses on Ash Wednesday, the offertory chant will sung. Here is a quick instruction on this. Microsoft Teams (loom.com) I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord, I cried unto you and you healed me. Here is the music for Ash Wednesday. Included is a loom video of “Arrepientet/Repent” by Jamie Cortez https://bit.ly/3j86paL Ash Wednesday Hymns
For the First Sunday of Lent, we have Mark’s account of Jesus being driven by the Spirit into the desert. So the Spirit calls all of us to the desert this Lent as we are called to reconciliation through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Today is the Rite of Election . We join with those preparing for entry into the church at Easter by our baptismal call as adopted children of God. May the Spirit leads us in these pursuits. https://bit.ly/2YTzFbO February 20 and 21 Hymns