ASH WEDNESDAY

Transformation through Renewal of the Mind 

This Pauline idea (Romans 12:1-2 ») requires an exercise in Imagination peculiarly suited to Lent, that could have the effect of transforming a normally penitential season into a lively and lovely Springtime awakening.

Imagination – the Cinderella of the senses – often dismissed as beneath consideration in biblical studies, is making a comeback as a ‘princess-in-waiting.’  Unfortunately, the Bible tends to give Imagination a low rating, associating it with negative thoughts, as in the Magnificat: “He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”  In spite of this, modern usage has reinstated this humble maidservant to her rightful position as Prima donna – first lady!

This transformation actually comes about in the New Testament in Paul’s own Imagination, though he doesn’t use the word itself, e.g.  his prayer for the Ephesian believers (Ephesians 2:16-23 », especially in the phrase: ....the eyes of your heart (being) enlightened... i.e. Imagination).  Even more significant is his association of this function with the agency of ...the spirit of wisdom and revelation... clearly a reference to the divine Spirit, through whom you may know the hidden mysteries of faith.  Sayings like this mark an important transition from regarding Imagination as something suspect, to the primary means via which the Spirit communicates revealed truth to believers.

Recognizing the Holy Spirit as ‘Imagination personified’ is an exciting current discovery that provides an alternative paradigm for reading Scripture, and what better time to learn more about it than Lent?

The following outline of Readings covering the five weeks of Lent, with suggestions as to how this subject might be approached, concentrates attention on how Imagination can transform consciousness of everything we hold most dear in Christian faith.

Lent I    Transformation of Humanity by Elixir of Imagination
Lent II   Imagination of Human Transformation as “Wholeness”
Lent III  Life in the Great Transition
Lent IV  Imagining Christian Hope as “Otherness”
Lent V   Deciphering the “Mystical” Imaginally

PG
_________________________________________________________________

Visit Christ Church Deer Park  Sundays @ 8 & 10 am  | thereslifehere.org