First Sunday of Lent: March 1, 2009

The readings set the stage for our thinking about our Lenten Passage—for that is what it is: the Lenten Season is a season of passage. All life is a passage from birth to death, from matter to spirit, from darkness and density to lightness and light. Lent is our annual “dress rehearsal.” We prepare ourselves to breathe into eternity unafraid. And this weekend the readings are of sacred covenants: the first, with Noah, one that binds all that is in being together, the next, in Baptism that binds the Church in purpose, and then the Gospel tells us the time of fulfillment has come—the time to take those relationships seriously, and grow into them. So let’s take them seriously; let us strive this Lent to live with less, to be kinder to the planet, and to be more drawn to God and each other.