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| The Rev. Glyn Ruppe-Melnyk, Rector |
| A Fast of Justice for Lent |
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In the first lesson for Ash Wednesday we hear the prophet Isaiah’s words:
“is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the
thongs of the yoke to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” As we begin our journey through Lent this year, I am struck by how essential it is that we take these words to heart – and to act upon them – not just for the cause of justice and for the sake of others – but for our own spiritual health. We need to hear these words as spoken to each of us in whatever ways we may find ourselves held captive, because Lent is precisely the time to engage in an honest conversation with ourselves, and to offer our burdens and challenges to God’s healing grace. When we find ourselves assaulted by fear, jealousy, anger, or bitter memories, we are being held captive. When we find it difficult or believe it possible to forgive, we are living under the yoke of oppression. If we witness suffering and injustice, yet seem unable to speak up when the “still small voice of God” within us encourages us to speak out, we are not living within the freedom that God desires for us. It is painfully true that we live in a time when there seems to be an infinite number of ways in which to be captive, to experience oppression, and to have the dignity of the human soul assaulted. And because we know that, because we witness it on a daily basis, it is all too easy for our own hearts and spirits to be weighed down. But it need not be so. This year, I encourage you to practice a Lenten discipline of a “fast” for justice, and begin that process by acting and praying for liberation for yourself from any yoke that may bind you, so that you will know the freedom that comes from trust in God and when the need arises, will be free to help others break their own yokes. But remember, you need not travel alone. Led by the Holy Spirit, we are all on this journey together – and I encourage you to call upon me for counsel and companionship in that journey – for such a journey is best undertaken in the company of others. To that end, I invite you to be present on Saturday, March 6th from 9-noon for a Lenten Quiet Morning. The topic will be “Speaking the truth to our own hearts” and will provide an opportunity for prayer, reflection, sharing and healing for our hearts. Lent is God’s gift of time to us. Time to acknowledge our need for healing. Time to extend the gift of healing to others. Time to prepare for the gift of abundant life and resurrection. Time to learn anew the power of speaking the truth in love.
May God bless and keep you,
In the peace of Christ, |