Joel 2:12-18

“But it’s not too late,” declares YAHWEH. “Come back to me now with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tearing your clothes in sorrow is not enough— tear open your hearts!” Come back to YAHWEH your God, for he is gracious to welcome you home and compassionate to embrace you. YAHWEH is slow to anger and so rich in extravagant love for you. He is always ready to forgive and cancel judgment. Who knows if he will not turn around and show pity, leaving behind a blessing. Then you can bring offerings of grain and wine to be presented to YAHWEH your God. Blow the shofar in Zion! Call for a fast and proclaim a solemn assembly. Gather the people together, and prepare them for a sacred meeting. From the oldest to the youngest, assemble the community, even the nursing infants. Let the newly wedded bride and bridegroom come from their chamber. With everyone gathered in the courtyard, the priests, the ministers of YAHWEH, must stand weeping between the portico and the altar of burnt offering. Let them face the sanctuary and intercede, saying, “Spare your people! Have pity, YAHWEH! Do not expose your very own people to the contempt and sarcasm of the nations. Why give the nations cause to say, ‘Where is their God now?’ ” YAHWEH Then YAHWEH showed his great love for the land and showered compassion upon his people.