[Announce] Turn away from sin!

[Robert Waldrop]

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.
With these words, and a smudge of ashes on the forehead, the Lenten penitent is called out of the normality of life and into a time of examination of conscience and metanoia.

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

What are the idols we erect in our lives, that come between us and our God, and which afflict our relationships with each other?

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

How do we turn away - sometimes, run away - from the God who in Christ loves and cares for us?

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

How do we abuse the goods of Creation, so lovingly given us by the Father, and treated with such contempt by human beings?

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

How do we reject the poor, the marginalized, as we close our eyes to the Christ who comes to us in distressing disguises and invent clever words that comfort us in our abuse?

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

Why do we worship the Almighty State, and its works of violence and war, when we are called to worship the Almighty God and do the works of justice and peace?

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

Why do we support ignorant and foolish politicians, who are filled with violence and wickedness, and turn our backs on the little ways of justice and peace?

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

Why do we willingly participate in structures of economic and social sin, and do the works of demons who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls?

Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the gospel.

Father in Heaven, the light of your truth bestows sight to the darkness of sinful eyes.May this season of repentance bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness and the gift of Your light. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.



Bob Waldrop, Ash Wednesday 2010

Romero Catholic Worker House
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