A Lenten Primer

 Ash Wednesday is a little under four weeks away.  Our Lenten journey for 2023 starts on 22 February.  The word Lent comes from a German root that means "lengthening of days."

It is true that, as spring approaches, we see more and more hours of daylight.  A welcome sigh after the darkness of winter.

Lent calls us to prepare our hearts and mind for the great mystery of Easter.  The tomb should be been empty on that first Easter morning.  Death has given way to life.  Sorrow has turned to joy.

Here are a few suggestions of you and I might get ready for the celebration of Easter:

*Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus' last days.  If you are part of a household, consider reading the narratives aloud.

*Watch one of the movie version of Jesus' life and ministry.  "The Gospel of John" is a good one.  There is also "Jesus Christ, Superstar" for the musical lovers.

*Watch (and/or read) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I love the live-action version from 2005.

*Listen to one of the music renderings of the Passion.  There are many including "St. Mathew's Passion" by JS Bach and Handel's Easter portion of "The Messiah."

*Participate in St. Mark's special Lenten programming.  Deacon Dorothy will be offering a Lenten series as well as a virtual Stations of the Cross.  

*Read a devotional booklet or a spiritual writing.  Again, there are many out there and I am happy to make recommendations.

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