If a picture paints a thousand words, then each one of us is called to paint the words of Jesus this day. Saint Paul calls us God’s work of art and we are to be portraits of God in our present situation. Created in God’s image and likeness, we all make up the face of God for all to see. We practice what we preach as people of faith and integrity. As good trees, we want to bear good fruit.
 
We are to become a harvest of forgiveness and compassion, patience and kindness, justice and peace. We work together in the name of Jesus to build a stronger community and a better world. We share our gifts with all who need them. We produce good in so many simple and yet profound ways. On this last Sunday in Ordinary time just before we enter the season of Lent, we are reminded that we are good and that our harvest is one of goodness.
 
Our Lenten journey, which begins Wednesday, is not limited to the forty days preceding the Easter Triduum. Lent is the first part of a ninety day journey from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Sunday. From the renewed covenant of ashes, we move to the waters of Baptism at Easter and then to the great commissioning of Pentecost. These ninety days are given to restore us and renew us for our mission. We cannot be the same person at the end of this journey or we make this trip in vain. Let Christ renew and restore us that we might produce even a greater harvest of good. Let the journey begin and proceed with hope, faith and love. Let it be a journey of Joy that brings us closer to God and one another.