Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12
Roman Catholic reading: Joel 2:12-18
United Methodist reading: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17  

Psalm 51:1-17
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10
Roman Catholic reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library: Year A, Year B, Year C.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible, 2011.
  • The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images listed at The Text This Week's Art Concordance:
    • Last Judgment
  • Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
    • Prayer
    • Fasting
    • Integrity
    • Repentance
    • Reconciliation
    • Redemption
    • Salvation/Saving
    • Determination
    • Grace
    • Endurance
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Preaching This Week commentary, Ash Wednesday, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2012. 2011. 2010. 2009.
  • Ash Wednesday Resources, United Methodist Church GBOD, 2013.
  • SAMUEL, Ash Wednesday, Year C, UCC, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • The Adventurous Lectionary, Ash Wednesday, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Ash Wednesday, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
  • Preaching Helps (Ash Wednesday). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
  • Lectionary Notes, Ash Wednesday, Beth Quick, 2012, 2011.
  • "What's in Your Attic?" sermon commentary, Emphasis, SermonSuite, 2011.
  • Seize the Day: Reimagining Ash Wednesday, Bruce Epperly, Patheos, 2011.
  • Exegesis/Commentary, E. Carver McGriff, Lectionary Preaching Workbook, SermonSuite, 2011.
  • "Green" Ash Wednesday, Paul Nuechterlein, Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Ash Wednesday, Wikipedia.
  • Ash Wednesday, The Catholic Encyclopedia.
  • Resources for Ash Wednesday at Bass Mitchell's Special Days Resources collection. Sermons, services, childrens sermons, exegesis, illustrations, and more.
  • Ash Wednesday: An Online Handbook.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Joel 2:1-17 / Isaiah 58:1-12
  • Psalm 51
  • 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10
  • Matthew 6:1-21
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org, 2013. 2012. 2009.
  • "Take Up Something for Lent," Robb McCoy, The Fat Pastor, 2013.
  • "Ash Wednesday: Blessing the Dust," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2013. Use of images.
  • "Ashes and Dust and Broken Hearts," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
  • "Ash Thursday," Michael Coffey, 2013.
  • The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2013.
  • Christian Leadership Center Commentary, Amy Schifrin, 2013.
  • Sermon Notes for February 22, Michael Rich, In-Formatio, 2012.
  • Sound the Alarm-- Story/illustration Ash Wednesday based on Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 by Sandra Herrmann from SermonSuite, 2013.
  • "I Will Remember: On the Eve of Ash Wednesday," "Ash Wednesday: Rend Your Heart," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
  • "A Day of Ashes and Rituals of Renewal," Ron Hansen, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2012.
  • "Usually Ashes Are Easy to Come By," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
  • "When My Time Comes for Ashes and Dust," Michael Coffey, 2012.
  • "Becoming Like a Flute," Shane Claiborne, Patheos, 2012.
  • "Trampling the Poor," David R. Henson, Patheos, 2012.
  • "Clean Out Your Closet," Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2012.
  • "The Gracious God of Ash Wednesday," John C Holbert, Patheos, 2012.
  • 10 Minute Worship Blog, Ash Wednesday, Dan Bollerud, 10 minute commuter mp3 worship, 2012.
  • "Repentance is for Everyone," Human Rights Campaign Out in Scripture, 2009.
  • "Saying the Hard Things," Psalm 1, Ash Wednesday, 2011. Todd Weir, bloomingcactus.
  • The Sacrament of Ashes, Paul Bellan-Boyer, City Called Heaven, 2011.
  • "Learning the Moves," John van de Laar, Sacredise, 2011.
  • Ash Wednesday, salt project, 2011.
  • "My Lent: Ashes, Addiction, and the Reality of Hell," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2011.
  • "The Trouble (And Blessing) of Lent," David Lose, Huffington Post, 2011.
  • Ash Wednesday: Practice Truth-Telling, Christine Vatlters Painter, Patheos, 2011.
  • Saying No and Saying Yes, Alyce M. McKenzie, Patheos, 2011.
  • Ash Wednesday, 2011, Fr. Rick Moley, a garden path.
  • Ash Wednesday, Ann Fontaine, What the Tide Brings In, 2011.
  • "I Have Sinned: A Word for Ash Wednesday," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2011.
  • Locusts and Lent, Reflections on Ash Wednesday from Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, John C. Holbert, Patheos, 2011.
  • "Marked by Ashes," poetry by Walter Brueggemann, journeywithjesus.net.
  • "Love in the Ruins," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
  • "Remember," Barbara Crafton, The Almost Daily emo, 2009.
  • Cultural Resource, Ash Wednesday, Nessette Falu, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
  • Lectionary Haikus, Ash Wednesday, 2009, Christopher Gudger-Raines.
  • "The Humility of Dust," Jason Byassee, Faith and Leadership, 2009.
  • Ash Wednesday, Ann Fontaine, What the Tide Brings In, 2005.
  • "Ashes of Creation," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "Remorse and Hope," Susan B.W. Johnson, The Christian Century, 1997.
  • "Ashes and Weeping," Jane Carol Redmont, "Proclaiming Gospel Justice," The Witness, 2005.
  • "The Most Uncomfortable Day of the Year," Byron L. Rohrig, The Christian Century, 1987. At Religion Online.
  • Reflection on Lent, (Southern Hemisphere), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
• Sermons:
  • "Keep It To Yourself," Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2013.
  • Sermons That Work, Ash Wednesday, Rev.Charles Hoffacker, Episcopal Digital Network, 2012.
  • The Pitfalls Of Practicing Piety, John M. Braaten, SermonSuite.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2011.
  • "Give It Up!" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
  • "Ash Wednesday," John R. Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Responsive Fasting," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) Lent, focus of "Christian Reflection," Baylor University Center of Christian Ethics, 2013. Focus article, "Lent as a Season of Responsive Fasting," Scot McKnight (Luke, Psalm).
  • Lectionary Notes, Ash Wednesday A, Ash Wednesday B, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • Bible Study - Ash Wednesday - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
• A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages. 
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

• Resources and Images on The Text This Week's Lenten Resources page.
• Lent and Easter links at Rev. Richard J. Fairchild's A Holy Easter.
• Complete Liturgies (including hymns & prayers):
  • Ash Wednesday Resources, United Methodist Church GBOD, 2013.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (Terms of Use)
  • LCA Worship Planning Page, Ash Wednesday, 2013, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Thom M. Shuman, PC(USA), 2013.
  • Worship resources for Ash Wednesday by Charles and Donna Cammarata from SermonSuite.
  • The Worship Closet, Ash Wednesday, Creative Worship Ideas, 2012.
  • "Ashes to Go: Tips for Liturgical Outreach," ECF Vital Practices for Leading Congregations, 2012.
  • Liturgy for Ash Wednesday, 2012. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Wednesday Worship Pieces: Ash Wednesday, Joanna Harader, Spacious Faith, 2012.
  • The Worship Closet, Ash Wednesday, Creative Worship Ideas, 2012.
  • Ash Wednesday Worship resources, James R. Wilson, SermonSuite.
  • The Sacrament of Ashes, Paul Bellan-Boyer, City Called Heaven, 2011.
  • Worship Aids, B. David Hostetter, Lectionary Worship Aids, SermonSuite, 2011.
  • Ash Wednesday Music & Worship Resources, Edythe Poole, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
  • Lectionary Worship Resources, Ash Wednesday, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Many Ash Wednesday services and Worship Resources by Lisa Frenz, Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Portland, OR. (Scroll down to Ash Wednesday index.)
  • Worship Well Liturgy Online: Ash Wednesday Worship, General Lent Liturgy, Ash Wednesday Preparing for Renewal Liturgy (Catechumenate), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Communion for the Beginning of Lent, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute (Church of the Nazarene).
  • "Sermon and Liturgy for Ash Wednesday", Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
  • "Away with All Masks," Liturgy Alive, Ash Wednesday, Claretian Publications, Inc., Philippines.
  • Liturgy for Burying the Alleluia and Liturgy for Ash Wednesday, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • Resources for Ash Wednesday at Bass Mitchell's Special Days and Services site.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc.:
  • "Beloved Dust to Dust," service prayers for Epiphany 5B, Worship Ways, UCC, 2012. (list of rtf files)
  • A Prayer for Ash Wednesday (and for use in Lent) by Dr. William R.G. Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • A Liturgy for Ash Wednesday, Dr. William R.G. Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Ash Wednesday Prayers, Victor Hoagland, C.P.
  • Lector's Notes, Ash Wednesday, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, Ash Wednesday, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary: Ash Wednesday A, Ash Wednesday B, Ash Wednesday C, Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Worship Resources, Ash Wednesday, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL: Year A, Year B, Year C, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 51:1-17, (Ash Wednesday), Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2013.
  • Confession RCL, Ash Wednesday, 2012, Bill Wessner.
  • "Clean Hearts, New Spirits," Dan Schifeling, Worshipcalls, 2012.
  • Words for Worship, Amy Loving, The Worship Closet, 2013.
• Graphics and Bulletin Materials:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition: Year A, Year B, Year C, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Ash Wednesday. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Ash Wednesday Clip Art. Anglican Diocese of Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
  • Images for this week's readings: Year B, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Ash Wednesday. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
  • "Is this the Fast...," reflection by the Rev. David Haberer, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • "Ash Wednesday: Blessing the Dust," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2013. Use of images.
  • Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
  • Lent and Dust - you tube, inclusivechrist.
  • "Service Prayers for Ash Wednesday," Worship Ways, UCC, 2013.
• Music and Hymns:
  • Original Hymns/Settings/Choral Pieces:
    • 'See! Now is the Time!,' Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: LYONS 10.10.11.11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!"), A new hymn based on 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 was written for The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2013 and available with the music.
    • “O God of Love, The Fast You Choose,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, inspired by Isaiah 58:1-12 reminding us worship and justice go together. Tune: KINGSFOLD 8.6.8.6 D (“Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples”).  New hymn available with music from The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2011.
    • O God, Be Merciful To Me,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, inspired by Psalm 51. Tune: CRIMOND 8.6.8.6 (“The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want”).
    • Don't Show Off Your Giving Text:  Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune:  ASH GROVE 6.6.11.6.6.11 D (“Let All Things Now Living”)  This hymn is a paraphrase of chapter 6 in Matthew and part of "The Sermon on the Mount: A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs."
    • Ash Wednesday Comes and, Lord, We Hear, Text:  Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune:  TALLIS' CANON 8.8.8.8 (“All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night”), A new hymn based on Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 was written for The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2011 and available with the music.
    • When You Are Praying (Jesus' Teaching on Prayer), Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, NEW BRITAIN (CM 8.6.8.6) (Amazing Grace) or CRIMOND (CM 8.6.8.6) (The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want) with links to helpful books on the Lord's Prayer.
    • "What Has Our God Required of Us?" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21. TUNE: "Lasst Uns Erfreuen." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
    • A Hymn for Shrove Tuesday, Bosco Peters, 8.7.8.7.8.7., from the Saint Helena Breviary, Church Publishing, 2006.
    • "No Sack Cloth," "Take Up Your Cross," Brenton Prigge, New Hymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Ash Wednesday, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Lists of Hymn/Choral Pieces, etc:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Ash Wednesday, 2012, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2013.
    • Hymnary.org: Ash Wednesday, Year A, Year B, Year C, hymns, scores, media, information.
    • Shepherd Sounds, Ash Wednesday, Background information for hymns and choral music following the lectionary from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas, by Eric Mellenbruch and David Zersen.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Lectionary Hymns, Ash Wednesday, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, Ash Wednesday, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Ash Wednesday.
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Ash Wednesday, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (Terms of Use)
    • Together to Celebrate, Ash Wednesday, 2013, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
• For Children:
  • "Three Reasons to Include Children on Ash Wednesday," Carolyn C. Brown, 2013.
  • Worshiping with Children, Ash Wednesday, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (Terms of Use)
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ash Wednesday, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "Feed the Children," Children's Sermon from Sermons4kids.com.
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Ash Wednesday. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.