Sunday's Palms Are Wednesday's Ashes

Sunday's palms are Wednesday's ashes as another Lent begins; 

Thus we kneel before the Maker in contrition for our sins.

We have marred baptismal pledges, in rebellion gone astray; 

Now returning, seek forgiveness; grant us pardon, God, this day!

We have failed to love our neighbors, their offenses to forgive,

Have not listened to their troubles, nor have cared just how they live.

We are jealous, proud, impatient, loving over-much our things;

May the yielding of our failings be our Lenten offerings.

We are hasty to judge others, blind to proof of human need; 

And our lack of understanding demonstrates our inner greed;

We have wasted earth's resources; want and suffering we've ignored;

Come and cleanse us, then restore us; make new hearts within us Lord.

-Rae B. Whitney (1991)

I had intended to post this on Ash Wednesday, but just located the lyrics today. Though a tad late, the words remain good ones for reflection, prayer and action during this period of Lent and beyond.