Going Up the Mountain

GOING UP THE MOUNTAIN

Ash Wednesday is coming up, February 18, 2026, the first day of Lent. Many traditions observe Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes on the forhead to symbolize our human frailty and need for God - from dust we were formed and to dust we will return. So what? We are not Catholic or Episcopalian, so why observe Lent?

Lent is a 40 day season of spiritual reflection; it is a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's resurrection at Easter. Sure, we celebrate that every Sunday. But during Lent, we have the unique opportunity to join with other Christians worldwide who are doing the same thing at that time. We all seek to grow in our faith and in understanding of who we are as God's people. We are striving for a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully.

And 40 days is significant:

Noah listened to the rain in the ark for 40 days.

Moses spent 40 days on the mountain with God, and sent spies to Canaan for 40 days.

Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days.

Elijah ran from Jezebel for 40 days.

Jonah told the Ninevites God would destroy them in 40 days.

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days.

Jesus walked with His disciples after His resurrection for 40 days.

The Restoration Movement tradition has not historically observed Lent. This does not mean that it is wrong to observe the practice of Lent; on the contrary, the purpose of Lent is an occasion for us to consider our spiritual formation. Beginning Ash Wednesday, for 40 days, we will consider the words of Jesus from Matthew 5-7. Let's join Him on the mountain.