The stories of Lent include texts from the Hebrew Scriptures and the gospels; and the days following Easter focus on the stories, told in the book of Acts, of a Spirited community.  In these texts, we are mentored in faith by the response of whole communities to God’s providence, as well as by individuals: Abram, the psalmist, the forgiving father, Mary of Bethany, Peter, Paul and Silas, Tabitha, Lydia and the jailer.  The boundary-breaking news of God’s grace takes form in acts of witness and deeds of hospitality.  Such outgoing proclamation and activity, however, relies on quiet centering, where we are renewed by God who satisfies our thirsting for abiding relationship.

The brightness of colours in this season’s artwork catches the eye and spirit.  We do not usually associate Lent with such brightness, making the images a vehicle for conveying other surprises of this season.  Common to all the posters is movement – whether portrayed in the busy-ness of a crowd, the near-dance of a crucified one, or the swirling serenity of a desert.  The imagery of Spirit, so crucial to Easter’s texts, is sometimes obvious (fire and wind in the image Hope in the Desert), sometimes obscure (where might Spirit be found in the image If the World Were a Village?), but always inviting us to look deeper in and deeper out.

Lent and Easter beckon us to follow the leading of God, from joyful remembrance to the giving and receiving of unexpected ministry.  As we centre ourselves in that memory and hope of God’s saving acts, we find it possible to see ourselves within the Spirit’s unfolding story; for it is within and through our own lives and communities that God’s Spirit continues to act on behalf of all creation.

Your friend,