February sees the end of the Season of Epiphany with the celebration of Transfiguration Sunday, February 11. As told in Matthew 17, Jesus went up the mountain top with Peter, James, and John, and his glory was revealed to them. “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then, there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus” (vs 2-3). Then, in verse 5, “A bright cloud covered them and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love: with him, I am well pleased. Listen to him!’ “This marks the transition of his ministry of healing and teaching in Galilee to his ministry of sacrifice in Jerusalem. The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14. Lent is the forty days before Easter, excluding Sundays, and ending on Holy Saturday. Historically, this was a time of fasting and preparation for the baptism of converts and then became a time of penance for all Christians.
Lent is a time for reflection, preparation, and acknowledging our sins. Jesus’ sacrifice of his life to make payment for those sins that keep us separated from God. The worship services, including scripture, liturgy, music, and proclamation, help us focus our thoughts and minds on this. Purple is the traditional color for Lent. In some traditions, it is common for people to “give up something for Lent” as a penance. Often, it seems to be fasting from chocolate, or sweets, or something like that. How about if we all decide to fast from things like saying unkind words, fasting from anger, or fasting from complaining and such things as these? I think this is more in keeping with the message of Jesus to love God, to love people, and to tell everybody about him.
Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near – Isaiah 55: 6