“Even now...”

We have gotten ourselves in a rather bad situation, as a world economy (and perhaps as individuals).

We have also gotten ourselves, humanity all together and each of us individually, into a very bad situation of sin.

Today, Ash Wednesday, God offers us a way out, as we hear in today's first reading (Joel 2:12-18):

Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.

For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.

Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing...

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me - a sinner.