Lent is a time to step back and evaluate where our desires and affections are aimed. Fasting and abstinance help us determine what controls our decisions, actions, and motivations. My desire for me and our church is to do a frontal assualt on the strongholds and bondages that captivate our hearts and minds.

The collect for Ash Wednesday is extremely powerful . . .

"Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen.

I'm convinced that as we diligently seek ( not casually inquire ) the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will reveal our wretchedness causing us to worthily lament our condition seek His mercy realizing that through Christ's work on the cross we have perfect remission and forgiveness of our sins. There is a tension between "new and contrite hearts." Contrition is a result of seeing our wickedness, consequently giving us godly sorrow which works in us a penitent heart. As we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This process is ongoing and gets intensified as we fast and purpose in our hearts to seek the will of God. Like dross our self-centeredness emerges but thankfully God purifies us like gold, so we may live our lives for His glory and be Christ in a culture of death. May the God of all grace fill you with His Holy Spirit this lenten season as you draw closer to the Blessed Trinity.

Father Greg