1. What is undoubtedly true, however, is that St. Peter wasn’t left outside. He wasn’t left weeping. He was restored, as am I, as are you.
  2. It’s scary to share my struggle and to show that I have cracks because once I’ve shown my cards, I open myself up for judgment.
  3. Unprompted, without any warning, for no reason at all, without any instigation say, "I love you." And that will wash over your parents like a beautiful absolution.
  4. Ash Wednesday's purpose is not to motivate our resolve to redouble our efforts to do better.
  5. His love for you is so deep that in his mercy, while you were yet a sinner, God sent his only begotten Son to die for you.
  6. Rightly distinguishing between law and gospel, as Paul helps us see in 2 Corinthians 3, is, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
  7. Even as he was dying, the heart of God poured itself out for the sake of sinners.
  8. Christ our Word, as with a two-edged sword, burst the devil's belly.
  9. God gives us the power and authority to proclaim the forgiveness of sins to burdened sinners who entrust us with their pain, guilt, and defeat.
  10. Repentance is meaningless unless we are willing to acknowledge who we are: sinners needing mercy.
  11. The law had to have its way with the expert to bring him around (and back) to Abraham's response.
  12. Maybe, just maybe, our goal for 2023 should not be to live more but to die more.