Sunday 10 February 2008

First Sunday of Lent



Is this not 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?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house,
when you see them naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then your light shall break forth from the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly.
Your vindicator shall go before you
and the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard.
Isaiah 58: 6-8


We will be judged on whether we fed the hungry,
clothed the naked, welcomed the stranger,
comforted the sick or visited the imprisoned.
Did you?


I once heard an American priest say
'It's no use saying you can swim, and sitting at the side
of the pool reciting the swimmer's creed.
If you don't go in the water, it means nothing'.


Prayer for the First Week of Lent
God, who breathed the spirit of life within us,
draw out of us the light and life you created.
Help us to use our lives to reflect Your glory and to serve others.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a perfectly beautiful Scripture to post with the observation of Lent. It's so true - we are very good at convincing ourselves that we are loving, submissive, kind, or generous because we talk about being loving, submissive, kind and generous. It's a subtle trick of the devil.

As you can see, I'm back in the saddle, but moving slowly under piles of laundry and a large to-do list. But we had fun - thanks for checking in on me!

Jen

Maggie May said...

Did you know that david mcmahon has chosen "What would your Mother Say" for his daily recommendation? Great, isn't it?
You are brilliant with your scripture readings! Well done!

qualcosa di bello said...

& you said you're not a disciple...i beg to differ! what a fabulous analogy!

Amrita said...

Thank you Jackie for this exhortation and the verses from Isa.

We are the body of Christ created to manifest his good works in this world.

Sister Judith said...

Hi Jackie:

I think I have discovered your name. Your blog is delightful! Thank you for your comment on my last post letting me know that you are a woman of hope! Hooray! I am edified by your faith and your sense of humor. "Your Lot" are very lucky to have you as their mom! God bless you!

Sister Judith

david mcmahon said...

That means so much - ``If you don't go in the water''. Beautiful words.

Rebekah said...

Thank you for this challenging post! I share your prayer.

Jennifer said...

A very inspiring post.