We begin our Lenten journey this, as is customary, by reading the Gospel story of Jesus’ trials and temptation in the Wilderness. But this year, the middle year of our three year lectionary cycle, we read this story according to St. Mark. And Mark, in his unique way, compresses the narrative. So instead of reading the details of the temptation as we do in other years, this year we also read (again) of Jesus’ baptism and the beginning of his Gospel proclamation in Galilee. And, as if to drive home the Markan voice of the Gospel, the other two lessons talk of the Flood and the Rainbow – which is not what we normally expect to be thinking about on the first Sunday of Lent.

We don’t often speak of the persistence of the Saints in the Episcopal Church. The concept is found in the 39 Articles in the back of the American Book of Common Prayer and it has its origin in the teachings of the Reformers, John Calvin in particular. But given the way the Lectionary this year frames the story of the Temptation of Christ, I find myself reflecting on that old idea. In the sermon this week I discuss how our baptism, and the life and light that is kindled within us by its virtue, give us hope in the desert days of our journey.

You can find a direct link to the sermon here.