I’ll be the first to admit it: Epiphany’s Mass involves a lot of words. Prophet and gospel are lengthy. Our best-known hymn for the day (written in Williamsport, mind you!) doesn’t really allow much room to sensibly skip verses. Throw in Eucharistic Prayer I, with its special texts for the Epiphany and we end up with a lot of words.

There’s one more set of words we could add: the Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts, a chant given to the deacon to proclaim after today’s gospel. We won’t be doing it, but here are the words:

Know, dear brothers and sisters, that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior. On the 5th day of March, Ash Wednesday will fall, and the fast will begin in the most sacred Lenten season. On the 20th day of April, you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the 29th day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the 8th day of June, the feast of Pentecost. On the 22nd day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. On the 30th day of November, the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Do these words just harken back to the days when people didn’t have printed calendars (to say nothing of the calendars on our computers and phones)? Or is something else going on here? Well, something else is going on. We’re being urged to prepare, to be alert for the Lord’s presence and voice in all the times and seasons of our lives. Waiting until the ashes are smeared across our forehead isn’t exactly the optimal way to prep for a good and holy Lent and Easter. Like we heard at the beginning of Advent: Be aware! Be alert!

A quick word to the men of the parish: There’s a program called Exodus 90. It’s a pretty rigorous way of praying and living Lent. A few of us from the area joined together to do this last Lent. I was part of it and was a great experience. There’s an app involved, but there’s also an emphasis on gathering as a group to share and support. Look it up online. If you have questions, I’m happy to answer or send you to someone who might give you a better answer.

In any case, men and women, young and old, let’s hear the calendar announcement call to prepare to celebrate the whole mystery of the Child born to us, our crucified and risen Savior.