It’s Ash Wednesday today, and here is the first of the daily Lenten Food For Faith encouragements. I’m very aware of the many people around the world who have signed up to follow Food For Faith online for Lent. Let us keep each other in prayer.

something strange
Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness.
What better way to start lent than with this coming Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm!
I pray this lent to recognize that the love God has for me passes through the mercy He shows to me. When I recognize my sins and shortcomings, through the sacrament of reconciliation, He is communicating most strongly this mercy, the “joy of your help”.
Psalm 50:3-6,12-14,17
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offence.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
My offences truly I know them;
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervour sustain me,
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
It is a powerful psalm for me too Brian. We are but poor beggars before the One who gifts us with everything.