Ash Wednesday

Scripture Reflection

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Ps 95:8)

God is speaking through Sacred Scripture. He is using the means by which we communicate to share with us the way to draw close to Him – in the quiet, in the stillness, and hidden away. “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you.” (Mt. 6:6) Do not make excuses. Close the door to the physical room and open the spiritual door to your heart.

For in our hearts, we find the secret sins that no one else sees: Impurity of the eyes and the mind that contaminates the soul. Judgment of others that inflates pride and clouds our ability to see that “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23) And the desolation of shame which says, “God cannot heal this wound.”

Today, listen to the voice of God. He is revealing that the hidden sins and secrets that have been your burden, He is willing to take. In fact, He already took them to the cross. He wants to heal us over these next forty days, and for the rest of our lives, until we rest eternally in Him. Do not harden your hearts. Leave them tender and open to the grace which He so freely gives. Do not be discouraged. “Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2)

Copyright Kelly Tallent 2022