A Lenten Observance in Distracted World

A Lenten Observance in a Distracted WorldIn this episode, Marcus Halley reflects on Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent as a call to cultivate focus and attentiveness in a chaotic, distraction-saturated world. The word “behold” (which appears twice in Matthew’s Transfiguration story) is more than seeing—it requires contemplation, stepping back, leaning in, and having “the eyes of our hearts enlightened.” Using Peter’s misunderstandings on Mount Tabor—wanting to build tabernacles and missing that Jesus is the tabernacle and that Jesus’ mission includes making people walking vessels of God's glory—he connects the Transfiguration to the true humanity found in Christ alone. Marcus critiques the “attention economy," warning that it is designed to yield outrage, anxiety, dehumanization, and confusion rather than wisdom. He invites listeners to resist distraction during Lent by learning to truly behold God, others, and the world.00:00 Introduction03:26 Sermon: Behold (Last Epiphany 2026, St. Paul's Church)19:10 My Lenten Practice: A Plan to Focus20:40 Closing Gratitude + Blessing"The Birth of the Attention Economy" by Jake Lundberg (The Atlantic): https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/07/the-birth-of-the-attention-economy/683727/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcushalley.substack.com