From Lavender to Mulberry, Including Magenta: The Lenten Journey Has Begun

Last week the challenge was set. Like a mic drop, this challenge was placed before me and I was left standing there wondering whether to pick it up or turn and walk away. My gut reaction was to walk away; it seemed like a silly and shallow way to mark a profound and timeless journey.  And yet, a week later I bent down and picked up the challenge.

Every day in Lent I have been challenged to wear something purple. To daily wear something in the shade of the season that marks the world-changing events of Jesus’ last journey to Jerusalem from his unjust trial, horrifying death, to the moment the sun stopped shining.

It seems a rather shallow challenge, or so I thought. That is until I was truly honest with myself. Each Lent begins with me lining up several online daily reflections and a promise that this Lent I will fast and set aside ample time for daily reflection, prayer and scripture reading, and then I don’t.  The busyness of the season catches up with me: there are the Lenten Sunday services, Lenten book study, Confirmation Classes, Holy Week, Good Friday service and of course the huge celebration of Resurrection Sunday.

By donning a touch of purple we are daily reminded of the sacred Lenten path that we tread. This path creates a space within us to hear again the story of Jesus.  This familiar story of his ministry, his lessons, his courage, and his wisdom; an old story that will create new paths of peace, a sense of purpose and a deeper knowing of who Jesus Christ is for us each.  It is a small act but a constant reminder of the Lenten journey.

So, yes, I will take on the challenge of wearing a touch of purple each day of Lent, beginning February 26^th, and I now challenge you to find a way to mark this Lenten Journey with a newness that will refresh your spiritual life.

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel

This Post was originally posted in 2019 and is back by request.

The Photo with this Blog was taken by Orlova Maria