Longing in our practice

By Marian McKone, guest author

Sunrise in the Sahara desert. photo: Chuck Huff

Dear fellow pilgrim,

This week let us enter the season of Lent through the liturgical calendar (the schedule of scripture readings in the church).

The usual story the Sunday before Lent begins is the story of Jesus’ transfiguration (see Mt 17:1-8, Mk 9:2-8 or Lk 9:28-36). So let’s imagine with that story that we are having a “mountain top experience”. We are in the moment of delight, wonder, maybe even ecstasy.  It may be a spiritual experience, a sensation of Divine presence. Or it might be a life experience such as a promotion, award or recognition. Or possibly a joyous life transition like falling in love, marriage or the birth of a child. There may be a component of this experience that is overwhelming, even confusing, but it feels amazing. We want to celebrate, remember, create a memorial.  But then we must move from that experience, down the mountain, into day-to-day life.

“The gift of Lent is practicing t…