Ash Wednesday

Presence

I take a moment or two to tune into my breath and come before God. I prepare myself to read and reflect on the Word of God.

Scripture Reading

1 Thessalonians 5: 12-18 NRSVue

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection

How often do I take the time to acknowledge what others do for me? A simple thank you to the person on the supermarket checkout. A nod of appreciation to someone who holds open the door for me. A note of thanks to a co-worker or neighbour who helps me in some way. And when someone does something I don’t like, can I be grateful too? Yes. When another driver cuts me off in traffic, I give thanks that I’m not in the same hurry they are. When someone steals my wallet, I give thanks that my needs are not as great as theirs. When someone else gets the job I applied for, I give thanks that what wasn’t for me did indeed pass me by. Today, I will acknowledge someone. I will say thank you to them. Or give thanks to God for them and for what they have taught me. “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Closing Prayer

Thank you, God, for this special season of Lent. May your Word find a home in me, be deeply rooted, and bear fruit in an increase of faith, hope, love, and gratitude in my life. Amen.