A Sojourner's Quest

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The entire season after Epiphany then emphasizes the way in which Christ revealed himself to the world as the Son of God (Luke 2.32; Matt. 17.1-6; John 12.32). a. Baptism of the Lord : The commemoration of the Baptism of the Lord celebrates and remembers Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptizer at the beginning of his public ministry. Jesus’ true identity as Messiah and Lord was revealed by the Holy Spirit’s descent upon him in the form of a dove, and the Father’s testimony concerning him, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3.17). b. Transfiguration Sunday : “Recalls the Transfiguration of Christ on the last Sunday of Epiphany (which is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday , the beginning of our lenten journey)” Robert Webber. The glory of Christ is now manifest in this world – to us and through us . 4. Ash Wednesday : A day of fasting and repentance that reminds us that we are disciples about to begin the journey with Jesus that ends in the Cross (Luke 9.51). Ash Wednesday begins the observance of Lent. 5. Lent : A time for reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus . Lent also emphasizes “death to self” so that, like Jesus, we prepare ourselves to obey God no matter what sacrifice it involves. Lenten observance calls for people to fast as a way of affirming this attitude of obedience (Luke 5.35; 1 Cor. 9.27; 2 Tim. 2.4; Heb. 11.1-3).

6. Holy Week 1

a. Palm Sunday : The Sunday before Easter which commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Christ (John 12.12-18).

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 “In the ancient church the three days [of the Paschal Triduum ] started on Thursday evening and ended with the great Paschal vigil of Saturday night. These services are called the Paschal Triduum [or, the Three Great Days] . . . They are the most holy, solemn, and serious days of the entire year. For in these days we experience and encounter our own destiny in the destiny of Christ’s ignominious death and burial and in his triumphant resurrection from the dead.” Robert Webber, Ancient-Future Time . Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004, p. 25.