Friday after Ash Wednesday

Readings
First Scripture Reading
Isaiah 58: 1-9a
Gospel Reading
Matthew 9: 14-15

Opening Prayer

Jesus, Son of God, we are so self-serving sometimes. We put so much energy and attention into ourselves – like our Lenten fasts, sacrifices and penitence to free our souls. Yet we make ourselves and others miserable. Speak again your powerful call of conversion. You seek to free people suffering in the bondage of injustice, poverty, hunger and alienation. The work of justice is your call to conversion. Teach us not to waste so much energy on ourselves, but to be your freeing light for others. Help us to fast from alienating and demeaning judgments, false gossip, and violence of word, attitude, action or silence which oppresses, limits or demeans any of God’s children. Only when justice and peace prevail for all people will the world know that you are the true God and we are the guests at your banquet!

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