Ash Wednesday (Year B)

First Reading - Isaiah 58.1b,3b-9a

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Lord says to the people of Jacob: I see your rebellion, and I know your transgressions. On the day of holy fasting and prayer, you serve your own interests, you oppress your workers, and you quarrel, and fight. This is not the fasting that will make your voice heard on high. If you deny yourself, bow your head, and lie down in sackcloth and ashes, even this is not the fasting that I honour, says the Lord. The fast that I honour is to remove the bonds of injustice, and to let the oppressed go free. The fast that I honour is to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house, and not to hide away from the needs of those around you. When this becomes your fast, then your light and your healing will come, your righteousness will lead you on, and the glory of the Lord will protect you. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer. You will cry for help, and the Lord will hear. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - 1 Timothy 6.6-12a

A reading from the first letter of Paul to Timothy. We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. So if we have food, and clothing, let us be content with that. For true riches are to be found in godliness combined with contentment. Those who long to be rich in this world fall into temptation, and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. The love of worldly wealth is the root of all manner of evil, pulling people away from the faith, and repeatedly causing them pain and distress. So flee from all this, and instead seek righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Work always to be strong in the faith, holding fast to the eternal life to which you are called. This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - Matthew 23.37-39

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Jesus said, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets, and stones the messengers sent to you! I have so often longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings - but you would not come! I leave this temple desolate. And you will not see me again until the day when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”’ This is the Gospel of the Lord.