An alternative invocation for the imposition of ashes today is "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." They are a slight liturgical variation on the opening words of Jesus in Mark's Gospel:
This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mk 1:15).
Are we ready to repent? Of course, this presupposes we think we have things from which to repent! Yet in our quieter moments we know this is the case: what will happen to us this Lent that will allow us (encourage us, even) to die to self in some specific way(s), so to live in the Lord more intimately?
Psalm 51 (our Response at Mass today) is attributed to King David after being accused of the blatant adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah. He was accused; he confessed his sin. We might do well to examine our consciences and confess our sins as well, even if they are not such monstrous evils as David's. To that end I am offering a classic performance of the classic Ash Wednesday composition: Gregorio Allegri's Miserere. While for some of us the adaptation to the text of the King James Bible, sung by the choir of King's College, Cambridge is the first and best of all recordings, this one by the Tallis Scholars (in the original Latin) is at least equally delightful. Enjoy, and may our Lenten journey bring us that much closer to the Lamb of God.
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