Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12

Psalm 51:1-18 (Psalm 51:1-17 (NRSV)

2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Many times people in the Old Testament showed their sorrow or repentance for their sins by placing ashes on their bodies.

This is the first day of Lent. During Lent we remember that we are sinners. We remember that Jesus suffered and died for us. We ask God for forgiveness and remember that God does forgive us because of Jesus' suffering and death for us.

Many churches burn the palm fronds from Palm or Passion Sunday. They save these ashes and use them the next year on Ash Wednesday. The ashes are mixed with a small amount of oil. People come forward and the pastor marks the sign of a cross on their foreheads to remind them that they are sinners and depend on God for forgiveness and life eternal.

We come knowing that our Lord died on the cross to set us free!

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Bible verses taken from the New Revised Standard Version