Justice in Lent
by Petrine Ashley
In reading definitions of “Lent” I found a reference to three stances to take during this season – prayer, to form justice with God, fasting, to form justice with oneself, and charity to form justice with humankind. The word “justice” appealed to me as it seems all year in this violent world we have struggled with the meaning of justice. Ferguson, “I can’t breathe”, police as symbols of the deep vestiges of racism remaining in our country, Selma fifty years later, beheadings, death for images and words, and all the frightening events in our world. Yes, I need to form justice with God through prayer.
And I need a place of peace where I know myself. How do I find my inner voice in the clamor of the world? How do I protect myself and those I love without abandoning others? How do I speak out without offending those who need a forum for their opinion also? I need that “fast” of meditation and quiet and soul-searching for myself as I live in the world.
And how do I balance my own life and commitments with charity to others? Somehow gifts of money, though often effective, seem lesser than a commitment of time and caring, one-to-one. The world is so full of need.
As I regard Lent, my God, myself, our world, and justice I hope to find a balance to soothe my soul. I hope to find renewed spirit to welcome Jesus and resurrection this Easter.
Dear God, as I contemplate your gift of Jesus and the world we live in help me bring some justice through my own gifts. Thank you for your love. Amen.
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