Reading today's first Mass reading, from the prophet Joel: Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart. And among other things, thinking of my son Joel who is far away. I didn't name him for the express reason of thinking of him on Ash Wednesday. Nevertheless, for the last twenty-four years, I have thought of him especially on Ash Wednesday, as his namesake prophet cries out with the words of the Lord, longing for His people.
The garden at 8 a.m.:
Today's post will be brief, as I have a lot to do before Mass this afternoon. Wearing:
Secondhand Pact cotton sheath dress, thrifted chambray shirt, thrifted Birkenstock Floridas. The high is supposed to be 74, so even a cardigan felt like too much. We are supposed to be sackcloth and ashes today, and indeed I am trying to keep it simple, but I can't help enjoying the soft blue and grape together.
And, of course, the obvious poem for the day.