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From page 11 ble end. And so we earthbound Christians enter the season known as lent.

We continue to read and hear and share stories of healings and miracles. We also witness the teachings of Jesus becoming more challenging and intense. It is as though he knows something we don’t, and is trying to help his disciples understand that their time is coming, when they will be teaching, healing, and challenging the status quo of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the government in Rome.

The joy of new teachings, new understanding and the attendant miracles is slowly transforming into a time of serious learning, of traumatic political consequences, and preparation for an uncertain future.

When Moses came down the mountain, he brought the law, a gift from God. The law was extensive and extremely precise. It left no doubt exactly how life was to be lived, not just how to construct the spaces and accoutrement of worship, but how to live daily with one another in the land that God has given them. And this law had guided them for generations.

When Jesus comes down the mountain, he brings from God a gift called grace. It is grander and more far-reaching than the law. It is a universal embrace of unconditional love. And it is no longer just for God’s chosen people, but for everyone.

Now Jesus continues undaunted in his mission and his ministry. He gives hard, often confusing lessons. He debates the Mosaic law with the Pharisees (the law-keepers of the temple leadership).

And he continues to heal and perform miracles. The life of hard future consequence continues to be a present life of endless grace and joy. Jesus refuses to be daunted by his approaching demise. He has work to do, and he does it faithfully and completely.

As we move through lent, we continue to witness miracles and learn wondrous truths. But now we look at these things more seriously. We are no longer amazed at miracles, nor do we take them lightly. We are awestruck and wide-eyed at the future that awaits us.

It may challenge us and may even threaten occasionally. But it is full of a joy and wonder that is realistic.

It tells us that things aren’t always what they seem. And even what seems to us to be one thing, may be leading us toward some kind of undefinable grace, perhaps even disguised as a challenge, a confrontation, a grief.

Sometimes we may feel like some kind of pioneers. Yet always, we are followers. We follow the one who blazed the trail, who left indelible footprints and shows us the way Home. s Both adults and kids got into the fun playing bingo at the Gulf Road community center on February 7.

Lent is our journey, toward our inevitable destination, which may seem like an end, but is actually a new beginning.