{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":""Letting Go" Lent Series - Ash Wednesday","description":"Ash Wednesday invites us to begin again. Not halfway. Not casually. But with intention. The ashes remind us that everything in this world fades away. What does not fade is our relationship with God. This week is about letting go of whatever competes for our heart so that we can return to Him completely. Overview Ash Wednesday marks the start of our Lenten journey \u2014 and the first days are often the hardest. When the novelty wears off, so can our discipline. That is why this day calls us to roots, not just emotion. Through the prophet Joel, we hear the call: \u201cReturn to me with your whole heart.\u201d Lent is not about temporary religious enthusiasm. It is about surrendering what binds us so that God can have all of us \u2014 not part of us. The ashes on our forehead are not decoration. They are declaration. A visible reminder that everything in this world passes away, but our soul is eternal. This is the acceptable time. Now is the moment to be reconciled. Now is the moment to let go. Scripture Focus First Reading: Joel 2:12\u201318 \u201cReturn to me with your whole heart.\u201d Joel reminds us that God desires fullness \u2014 not leftovers. He wants our whole heart, not divided loyalty. Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20\u20136:2 \u201cBe reconciled to God\u2026 Now is a very acceptable time.\u201d Paul removes the excuse of delay. Not next week. Not when life slows down. Now. Gospel: Matthew 6:1\u20136, 16\u201318 \u201cWhen you fast\u2026 when you pray\u2026 when you give alms\u2026\u201d Jesus teaches us to let go of pride and perform our sacrifices in secret. Lent is not for show \u2014 it is for surrender. Letting Go Lenten Series with Greg Wasinski follows Year A of the Liturgical Cycle   ","author_name":"Greg Wasinski - Faith and Real Life Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/faithandreallife.com","html":"