Notable Feast Days this Week:

February 24 - Matthias, Apostle (Anglican, Lutheran, Western)
February 25 - Walburga, Bavaria, 779
February 26 - Ash Wednesday
February 26 - Photine, Samaritan Woman, John 4:7 (Eastern)
February 27 - Simon the Cyrene, Luke 23:26 (Eastern)
February 28 - Proterius, Alexandria, 457
March 1 - Eudocia, Heliopolis, 2nd century 
March 1 - David of Wales, ca. 600

Revised Common Lectionary

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

Daily Readings (RCL)
Abbreviated Daily Readings
Liturgical Color - Black/Purple
Ash Wednesday / First Sunday in Lent February 26 and March 1, 2020
Remedy Against Sin
"Adam succumbed to temptation and brought sin on all generations of people (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7). We confess our sin and rejoice in God's forgiveness (Psalm 32). Just as Adam's sin brought sin on all humankind, so is Christ's redemption of sin available for all (Romans 5:12-19), because Jesus alone was able to resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)." -Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Psalm
Scripture Readings
Psalm 32

"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered...I acknowledged my sin...And you forgave the guilt of my sin..."


Commentary on Psalm 32
Augustine, Calvin, 
Spurgeon, John Paul II,
Sermon Writer Commentary

Audio
Psalm 32, Genesis 2,
Romans 5, Matthew 4

Spotify Playlist
Psalm 32
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Eating from the tree of knowledge

Romans 5:12-19
Death came; life comes

Matthew 4:1-11
The temptation of Jesus
 
Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

Bible in a Year
Chronological

“When you see people baptized and ransomed out of a generation that is perishing, and you are in wonder at the lovingkindness of God toward the human race, then sing to them Psalm 32.” 

–Athanasius, from On the Interpretation of the Psalms 18 (OIP 68)
Lectionary Resources
"The text says “then.” Then when? This was after the descent of the Spirit, after the voice that was borne from above had said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Led by whom? This is marvelous. All of this was led by the Holy Spirit. For it says Jesus was “led up by the Spirit.” All this was for our instruction. The Lord does whatever is necessary for our salvation by both acting and being acted upon. He submitted himself to being led up there to wrestle against the devil. Now we should not be troubled if, after our baptism, we too have to endure great temptations. We should not treat this as if unexpected but continue to endure all things nobly, as though it were happening in the natural course of things." -Chrysostom
Lent
 
The tradition of Lent can be traced back to the 2nd century. During this season, new Christians would prepare for baptism through fasting and study. By the year 325 AD, the time of preparation had been extended to 40 days and entire congregations practiced Lenten disciplines as a sign of Christian discipleship. Church consensus determined that the Lenten period of renewal should correspond to Christ’s forty-day fast. These Christians counted forty days back from Easter (excluding Sundays), to determine the time frame of the Lenten journey.

There is a “bright sadness” to the Lenten journey - a distinct awareness, begun with ashes, that we are frail. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with an honest look at ourselves and the world. We are called to embrace humility and repentance instead of hubris and pride. Ashes remind us of our mortality and need of forgiveness.

We are on a journey toward Easter. What begins with ashes ends with resurrection.


Ash Wednesday 

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Return to God

Isaiah 58:1-12
The fast that God chooses

Psalm 51:1-17
A cry for mercy and forgiveness

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Now is the day of salvation

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Practicing our faith
Resources for Ash Wednesday and The Season of Lent

Art and Poetry Worship  Music/Video/Audio Articles Lent for Children Books
Collect for Ash Wednesday
 
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. -from The Book of Common Prayer
 
Collect for The First Sunday in Lent
 
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. -from The Book of Common Prayer

Prayer for Lent
 
God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.
Singing Psalms and Hymns
Hymn Suggestions for the First Sunday in Lent from Hymnary.org 

Hymns related to Psalm 32 from Hymnary.com

Phos Hilaron | by Thomas Tallis, arranged by Church of the Apostles | Chord Chart  

Psalm 32 (Refrain) | by Sarah Majorins, 2014. 
*This refrain works well in-between spoken prayers of confession | Leadsheet  

Lord Have Mercy (Only Say the Word) | by Philip Majorins | Leadsheet 

Jesus, Lover of My Soul | Words by Charles Wesley / ABERYSTWYTH Melody | Leadsheet

Jesus, Lover of My Soul | Words by Charles Wesley / Music by Greg Thompson | Leadsheet and Piano Music 

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me | Words by Augustus Toplady, 1776 / Music by Thomas Hastings, 1830 | Leadsheet 

Abide With Me | Words by Henry Lyte and Justin Smith/Music by Justin Smith | Leadsheet 

The Apostles' Creed | Beach Spring Melody, Sacred Harp, 1844 | Leadsheet | Capo

God Be With You Till Me Meet Again (Psalm 32:7-8) | The Welcome Wagon | Leadsheet 

The Remedy | by David Crowder | Leadsheet

You Are My Hiding Place | by Michael Ledner

Psalm 32 Music | Park Church Denver

Free Psalm 32 Choral Scores

Psalm 32 | Metrical Options 
Music for Listening
Thematic Art 
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