Observance
Ash Wednesday
The 18th Day of February, Anno Domini 2026
Sunday, Holy Day and Commemoration Lectionary — Year A
Liturgical Colors: Purple
Personal Reflections
I like night church. I don’t really enjoy waking up at 03:30 for work the next morning, but I really do like night church. Tonight, during the sermon it occurred to me how empty and black the stained glass windows looked from inside the church. But from the outside? Those same windows were radiant against the darkness of the night. That seems like an allegory about life in Christ. To those who are in Christ, the material world often looks black and empty. But to those who are lost in the darkness, the light of Christ shines brilliantly like a beacon of hope.
Acclamations
Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
His mercy endures for ever.
Collects
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and you 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, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Lessons
Joel 2:1–2, 12–17 or Isaiah 58:1–12
Psalm 103 or Psalm 103:8–14
II Corinthians 5:20–6:10
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21
Prefaces
You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you.
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