Lent
April 13, 2019

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28-40

When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.”’ So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. –Luke 19:29-35

Doing justice is hard work. I attended a Health Care Forum yesterday evening designed to education and inform the public about the crisis of affordable and accessible health care in Oklahoma and what can be done to alleviate it. Hours of work went into the research necessary to present the problem, tons of communication was developed to let people know about the meeting, expert presenters took time from busy schedules to participate on the presenting panel. The building and microphone system were provided and readied. I did not count the attendees, under 40 would be my guess, most of whom could already were aware of the problem and the solutions. Other meetings like this one are scheduled around the state. A rally is planned next week at the state capitol. All the bills that could have eased the situation have already failed. We all know that legislators can do anything they want to until the session ends. The routinely pull rabbits out of hats for politically expedient issues that most likely is not going to happen in this instance. But all this hard work is not in vain. It may lead to an initiative petition to make the changes needed. If that does not happen it will lead to another effort next legislative session.

The disciple’s trip into the village to get a colt for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem was preparation for their work to spread the love of God and to do justice following Jesus’ death and resurrection. It remains our call today as we work to bring about a world ruled by love.

Prayer:  Lord, during this Lenten season we are actively engaged in waiting as we are actively engaged in doing justice for, we know that
those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
   they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
   they shall walk and not faint*. Amen.

*Isaiah 40:31

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.