Fifty Shades of Purple

I cannot take credit for this title. Our Council President, Linda Watkinson mentioned it at a recent Congregational Council meeting and I thought it was a great title for a Lenten blog series. We apologize if the name is taken—there is no copyright infringement intended. I am not sure that I can manage 50 posts during Lent, but like most spiritual practices, it is better to have begun than to worry that one cannot finish the journey. I have not read the original to which our title eludes, Fifty Shades of Grey (James, 2011). It’s not because I’m prudish or eschew such books. It’s just that I read bad reviews about the writing. The movie is out though, and I may yet be enlightened. My understanding is the book involves passions. While maybe not the same passions, Lent also deals with our emotions and longings. The Lenten season ends with Holy Week, which includes Good Friday, when we recount the Passion of Christ. In this context, passion refers to Jesus’ suffering. During Lent we focus on our suffering too, at least we are asked to reflect on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that bring suffering to ourselves and others. Whatever keeps us from a deeper relationship with Christ, aka a closer walk with Jesus, causes suffering. Lent is an excellent time to examine our passions and to curb those that bring suffering, while nurturing those that foster love and joy. We begin. Post 1.