Ash Wednesday Year A *Alternate* Third Reading
ASH WEDNESDAY — Year A
*Alternate* Third Reading: “A Love Greater Than Our Fear” by Jan Richardson
Fear is a natural response to what is strange, threatening, or beyond our
understanding. If we are not feeling some fear as we move through this world, we
are not sufficiently attuned to our circumstances. In light of this, the words
“do not be afraid” may seem inane. Yet in the scriptures, the phrase
“do not be afraid” becomes a kind of shorthand, a way in which God says to us,
I know you have good reason to be afraid in this world.
In the midst of this, know that I go before you, and behind you, and beside you.
I encompass you, and I will not leave you.
I will give you faith greater than your fear.
I will give you hope deeper than your distrust.
I will give you light more intense than your darkness.
So do not let your fear have the final word.
The words of Jan Richardson.