The journey from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost - Introduction
For three months our attention is focused on the Lenten journey from Ash Wednesday until Good Friday, and then from Easter Sunday to the feast of Pentecost. During this time we ponder anew Jesus’ life, the legacy he has left us, and the passing on to us of the work, the mission, the Father entrusted to him.
What is the legacy?
In Holy Week we touch the power of the religious and political leaders and their fear of Jesus and his message of love. I have chosen to focus on the woman who anointed Jesus and the washing of the feet. The tenderness of these two actions is in sharp contrast to the decisions and actions of the leaders. A legacy of tenderness is being handed on.
In the Crucifixion we stand with Jesus, a man of integrity, who would not compromise his mission even though death was the cost. Faithful disciples accompany him to the end. We are invited to stand with them. A legacy of integrity is being handed on. On Easter Sunday the women are active, preparing to anoint the body. They find the tomb empty and announce the resurrection. In Mark’s gospel Jesus tells them to tell the disciples: ‘He is going before you to Galilee, there you will see him, just as he told you.’ A legacy of presence is being handed on. The journey to Emmaus shows us once again this legacy of presence, even though the disciples are slow to recognise Jesus in their midst. In hindsight, after a shared meal, they recognise and name ‘the presence’ that had joined them along the way. A legacy of recognition.
After Pentecost we step into Ordinary time in the Church’s year where, hopefully, the journey we have participated in over many weeks has attuned us more keenly to God within and among us in the daily. It is in those very ordinary tasks and events that faith is lived, nurtured and celebrated.
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