Just when I think that I cannot bear to wear black any longer, the temperatures rise, the birds begin to sing and I head for the bright hues that help me to shift my feelings to match the occasion..Spring is on its way. Other women know whereof I speak!

iving in the "sunny South" of the USA has its advantages. We are not only able to anticipate the coming of spring, the season bursts in on us in the middle of the winter, or so it seems. In fact, just when we are becoming overcome with the grayness of our world, color explodes around us to remind us of the cycle of life, beginning anew.

The season of Lent that leads into Easter is like that. These forty days (not counting Sundays) before Easter help us to remember the last days of the life of Christ. We remember the events of Holy Week. Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19), the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-35, Mark 14:12-24, Luke 22:7-22, John 13:1 - 17:26) , Jesus' betrayal by Judas (Matthew 26: 47-55, Mark 14:43-51, Luke 22:7:22, John 18:1-6), the denial of Peter (Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, John 18:15-18; 25-26), Jesus' trial (Matthew 26:57-67, 27:11-26, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 22:66-23:1-23, John 18:28-40), the crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-55, Mark 15:21-31, Luke 23:26-43, John 19:17-25), and then there is that awe-filled Easter day (Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16: 1-20, Luke 24, John 20:10-18). What a contrast! Dark to light, night to day, sadness to joy, death to life!

For the first time, EcuMiniNet™ Online! is presenting articles in Priorities, Traditions, and Transitions with corresponding study questions available in the Wisdom & Wonderings section. Our focus questions are: What happens when we become transformed or "new" people in Christ, in faith? Or, what needs to happen, to change in order for us to move forward in faith, growth, and life for the future…our future? How are we shaped by God and by others so that we, ourselves, can become "a new creation?"

May God's blessings be with you this special Easter season!

Janine C. Hagan, Editor-in-Chief

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