Second Sunday of Lent

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

– Matthew 17

Maybe this road up Mount Tabor followed an ancient path taken by Jesus, Simon, James and John. At the top of most mountains is the gift of an expansive view, a new perspective after the struggle of the climb. All four of them probably needed that – in the moment and to reflect on later, when things really got tough.

From whom or what or where in our own life do we get a different perspective which helps us to keep going?

First Sunday of Lent

Command these stones become loaves of bread
Matthew 4

As we launch ourselves into Lent, the gospel reading reminds us that it can take long, demanding discernment to distinguish between what is true in essence and what is fake. A few chapters later in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus will use his experience in the desert, referring to the nonsense of a parent giving a hungry child a stone instead of bread.

What do we really want to hand on to future generations – and what is the cost?

 

Ash Wednesday

Blow the trumpet … proclaim a fast, call an assembly.

– Joel 2

When you give alms do not blow a trumpet.

– Matthew 6

In ancient times the horn or trumpet was used to announce to the community danger or blessing, war or freedom.

The message in today’s readings does both. It proclaims a season of battle with our conflicted motives and actions, collectively and individually, and also announces the expansiveness in the Risen Christ, brought about in humble, hidden ways.

What do we want to declare or extoll with our lives?