Now is the Acceptable Time!

As we begin this penitential season, we ponder the question: What does it mean to receive forgiveness from God?

We see throughout the Old Testament times, that in spite of God's covenant with His people, they often fell into sin. They not only "felt the fire"; they "touched the fire"!

Their sins can readily be seen in the lives of Moses and King David. Both were murderers. David was also an adulterer; while Moses tested God and thus was denied entrance into the Promised Land. However, both came to acknowledge their sinfulness and repented. God, in His love for us, readily forgave Moses and David and we know them now as heroes of the Old Testament.

We too can experience God's forgiveness. God's mercy is always there for us; we simply must be able to accept it. During this Lenten season, we strive to dedicate ourselves to Christ. We ask that a new heart be created in us. We try to touch Him in our prayer, fasting and almsgiving as we travel in His footsteps along the road to Calvary.

We do not travel on this journey alone. We know we have the support and encouragement we need because we experience it in community with others.

As Isaiah announces in the first reading:

...Proclaim a fast,
Call an assembly;

Gather the people,
Notify the congregation;
Assemble the elders...

We may not put off our time of repentance. No one is guaranteed more than this moment. Just as Paul wrote to the Corinthians so long ago:

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation!


~ Ash Wednesday, 2009 ~

~ Photo found at The Atlantic Magazine