The season of Epiphany mirrors the season of Pentecost. During Epiphany, we celebrate the revealing of the light of God to the world in the public ministry of Jesus Christ, which in turn becomes the model for the church as it seeks to be that shining city on a hill for the sake of the world. Through Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, we reflect upon the life of Jesus and how he enlightened all those he touched—and how we’re now called to do the same through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I, the LORD, have called you for a good reason.
I will grasp your hand and guard you,
   and give you as a covenant to the people,
   as a light to the nations,
To open blind eyes,
To lead the prisoners from prison,
   and those who sit in darkness from the dungeon.
                                                                       —Isaiah 42:6–7