Tuesday, March 10
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20. Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow…But if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you.
| The liturgical
calendar provides a rhythm for every aspect of healthy human experience. It is easy
to rejoice in the expectation and celebration of Advent or Easter, but without the
solemn reflection of Lent, those seasons of joy have less resonance. This is why
Lent speaks to me more deeply than any other part of the church year. In this reading, we are reminded of the need to look inward and consider our misdeeds, and to turn from them. God calls us from this darkness to justice and service. This, to me, is the heart of Lent – a clear-eyed self-assessment, commitment to action, and a belief that our act of self-examination allows God to heal and transform us. My Lenten prayer is that God allows me to see where I fall short and helps me locate the energy for the high standards Isaiah calls us to in this reading. - Marie Richards, Personal Counselor, Personal Counseling Services |