Tessarakoste

A bit puzzled by the title?

Think it's a type-o?

Tessarakonta is Greek for forty. The title refers to the 40th day before Easter.

That's today.




Many Christians down through the centuries have referred to it as Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I haven't celebrated or practiced it for years but for several reasons I do think there is much benefit in it.

Any time, day, or occasion for reflection on our Lord Jesus Christ is worthwhile.

Ash Wednesday begins a 40 day period of liturgy, prayer, and fasting leading up to Easter. It is intended to be a day for meditation upon penitence and mortality. A day to mourn over our sins against God and "make penance." In some church traditions they read Penitential Psalms (like Psalm 51) and mark their foreheads with a cross of ash.

For myself personally I have chosen to consider this a day of repentance (shouldn't they all be?) A day to ask myself hard questions and, more importantly, to ask God to search me, try me, and show me my shortcomings. "What does my Lord call me to turn from?" is my personal primer for the probing.

I haven't bore an ashen cross on my forehead in years but the practice of being repentant has, thankfully, been impressed upon my heart by the Holy Spirit. I dedicate this as a season to turn from those things that hinder my walk with my Lord and turn to the God that awaits, welcomes, and graciously forgives.


Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Against You, You only, have I sinned. How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin. Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; bring about true confession and repentance. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.