Commination

Commination (Lat. comminatio, threatening), a solemn denunciation of God's anger and judgment against sinners, appointed to be read in the Anglican Church on the first day of Lent and at such other times as may be appointed. It was devised by the Reformers to replace the "godly discipline" of the mediaeval Church, by which notorious sinners were formally expelled the Church on Ash Wednesday, and consists mainly of the penitential psalms and of certain passages from Scripture (from Deuteronomy xxvii., the prophets, and elsewhere). From the nature of the service it is sometimes absurdly said that Ash Wednesday is devoted to "cursing one's neighbours." The American Episcopal church omits the service.