Lent 2021
6 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? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:6-8)
As we enter the season of Lent - 40 days of confession, repentance, and self-denial - many will give up meat, dessert, social media, and other things that we fully intend to pick up again after Easter. While all of the things we give up (or deny ourselves) can draw us closer to God by creating space and time to be present with God, there is also an opportunity for deeper connection that lasts beyond the season.
From a personal perspective, we can prayerfully strive to align our interactions and relationships with God's message through the prophet Isaiah. We can commit to freeing ourselves and others from the bonds of unforgiveness. We can choose to be more mindful when we speak - ensuring that our words lift up, heal, and encourage. We can share clothing, food, and company with those who have need. We can be present with and accepting of all those we call family (biological and chosen).
From a systemic perspective, we can prayerfully acknowledge that we benefit from, and participate in, systems of oppression. Participating in a Complicity Cleanse for the first time or repeating the exercise can make, or keep, us mindful of the ways we are privileged and the ways we can use that privilege to the advantage of others.
Putting others before ourselves is a lifelong journey that we can begin or enhance during this Lenten season.
https://www.complicitycleanse.com/cleansemenus/
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, 10 if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. 12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. (Isaiah 58:9-12)
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