In Matthew 26, Jesus challenged religious leaders of his day to address the greed and self-indulgence in their own life instead of focusing on outward religious actions. He told them to, “first wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.” In this current season of Lent I am acutely aware that far too often I myself need to take this advice. My life can be covered by such a lacquer of pride, hypocrisy and deceit.

The trouble is I that there isn’t anything I can give up for Lent that will make me clean. There is no prayer that has the power to make me holy. Only God can do that, and in Lent I see how desperately I am in need of his help.

This great image by Steve Robinson I think demonstrates what Lent is really like for so many of us.

Lord have mercy!

(via Steve Robinson)