Welcome to Triptych for Lent 2023! A "triptych" (from the Greek, "triptukhon," meaning, "three-fold") is an art piece in three panels or sections, often hinged together, both literally and thematically. In this year of Matthew, we are afforded the opportunity to reflect upon the Nativity through the Resurrection from a Jewish perspective. As we do each Lent, we will rehearse the teaching of Jesus about generosity, prayer and fasting. Through Matthew's 'lenses, ' we see Jesus as God's anointed one, a great teacher in the manner of Moses, speaking with prophetic wisdom and authority. Matthew's 'genealogy' connects Jesus with Abraham, and further finds Jesus as the fulfillment of First Testament prophecy, perhaps most notably, exile-prophet Isaiah.

Let us move forward together immersed in the story's movement toward Holy Week, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday - and finally, Easter!