.Ash Wednesday.

Alicia and I went to St. Thomas' Ash Wednesday service this morning and it was good to take time to prepare our hearts for this lenten season. I want to share a quote from the canon's homily.

Fast from judging others. Feast on Christ dwelling in them. 

Fast from seeing differences. Feast on the unity of life.  

Fast from inner darkness. Feast on the reality of light within.  

Fast from thoughts of illness. Feast on the healing power of God. 

Fast from words that pollute. Feast on words that purify. 

Fast from discontent. Feast on gratitude.  

Fast from anger. Feast on patience.  

Fast from pessimism. Feast on optimism.  

Fast from worry. Feast on Divine Providence.

Fast from complaining. Feast on appreciation.  

Fast from negatives. Feast on affirmatives.  

Fast from unrelenting pleasures. Feast on unceasing prayer.  

Fast from hostility. Feast on peace.  

Fast from bitterness. Feast on forgiveness.  

Fast from self-concern. Feast on compassion for others.  

Fast from personal anxiety. Feast on trust.  

Fast from discouragement. Feast on hope.  

Fast from facts that depress. Feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy. Feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion. Feast on truth.

Fast from acts that tear down. Feast on acts that build up.  

Fast from thoughts that weaken. Feast on promises that inspire.  

Fast from idle gossip. Feast on purposeful silence.  

Fast from problems that overwhelm. Feast on prayer that supports

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your Presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work. Amen.