First Sunday of Lent

Lent was originally a season for new converts to Christianity to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Jesus’ life and ministry: God’s mercy, radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, and nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—good news for us and for all people. This week we focus on the subversive and playful nature of the good news. The kingdom of heaven is so good it should catch us by surprise! Like a mustard seed, the good news can grow from the smallest seed into the tallest tree. Like an unruly weed, or fine wine saved for last, the good news is abundant and cannot be contained.