Nazareth House Apostolate Blog: Ash Wednesday

St. Simeon Skete, Taylorsville Kentucky USA

With St. Simeon, the God receiver, as our patron, the skete seeks to practice the ideals found in our Rule, The Thousand Day Nazareth. In simplicity and poverty, the skete embraces the struggle of inner life through the practice of the Prayer Rope.

See our website at www.nazarethhouseap.org

Donations should be addressed to: Nazareth House Apostolate, 185 Captains Cove Drive, Taylorsville, Kentucky 40071.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Matthew vi. 16.

WHEN ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

FASTING:

During this Lenten Season, many of you will be abstaining from certain favorite foods, giving up meat on Wednesday and Fridays and/or other "fasting". Fasting is to abstain from an otherwise normal activity for the purpose of spiritual pursuit. Traditionally, it is food that is "given up" for Lent. But there are other ways to fast. If you are a clock watcher, you can give up constantly looking at the clock. You can fast from TV, shopping at the mall, playing video games. There are many things in today's world that consume our attention and divert us from focusing on God. With all the frivolous distractions in the world, it would be easy to find something in which to fast. Whatever you do, fast or no fast, it would be most beneficial if you make time this Lent to deepen your relationship with God.

UPDATE on NHA in SIERRA LEONE:

James reports that baby Vicki is growing fast and is a very good eater.

In fact, on one of his FaceBook status posts, James writes "Baby Vicki eating my ears off ".

Thank you for your continued prayers.

The Mansaray Family is doing very well, including Roo.

We have word that one of the several boxes of medicine and supplies has arrived.

We pray that the other will be released soon. The shortage of medical supplies, especially in Kabala is extreme. Its one thing to deal with such a handicap for a community, but to have sent things that are desperately needed and have them held up by the post is another. Please pray for their expedited delivery. Thank you.