In this Lenten season, we encounter greater uncertainties in our world, countless challenges, distress, and grief to process. Our society is witnessing its most marginalized, and our sibling’s experiencing deep affliction, and unrest. I hope we can agree, everyone deserves safety, dignity, and justice. According to Laurence Hull Stookey (paraphrasing), during Lent we are to think carefully about “our human condition, and the transforming power God offers will apply to the needs of all.”[1]
These days of spiritual journeying should help us to discover, rediscover, and question moral crisis. Whether they are found in our own lives, around us and / or in our country (USA) which seemingly pervades. We should confront these and turn away from their paths which lead to destruction. With this in spirit, and mind, a colleague in ministry is helping lead and support his congregation through Lent with a careful eye on the beatitudes.
I have been reflecting on, and praying with the same, particularly Matthew’s frame, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt. 5:4 NRSV). Eugene M. Boring reminds us that the beatitudes were based on Isaiah 61:1-11. Its community were found in deep lament over the desolation of the city. So… God’s people are very familiar with difficult times, mourning and lamenting. He also says, the “grammatical form of the verb “shall be comforted” …points to an eschatological future.”[2] This is the Good News. What I pray we can hold and embrace that we are free to mourn, and lament, advocate, respond, and work to rebuild / repair what has been broken. Yes! There is a tension between our pain and promise. But there is so much we can still do to change circumstances whether in our own lives and of those around us and beyond with the help of God and each other. I hope we can continue to believe and share that God continues to offer all of us and this world transforming power.
Blessings,
Richie
[1] Stookey, Laurence Hull. Calendar: Christ's Time for the Church. New York: HarperCollins, 1996, pg. 81
[2] Boring, M. Eugene. "The Gospel of Matthew." The New Interpreter's Bible, vol. 8, edited by Leander E. Keck, Abingdon Press, 1994, pp. 179.