Lent

March 19, 2021

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5:5-10

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. –Hebrews 5:7-10

We are seeing much suffering in our world today, most human-made. Our weird weather is partly related to our failure to address the challenge of climate change. Pandemics have been associated with the destruction of our rain forests. Our southern borders are being flooded with people whose homelands are so awash in danger that they risk their lives to save their children. One out of every four children living in the United States is classified as food insecure, which means they do not know from where their next meal will come. That is happening in a country with the farming capabilities to feed the whole world.

I do not want anyone to suffer, but I certainly do not want innocent people caught in the middle of society’s discord to suffer. We must take reasonability for the things we can do to solve problems, and we must facilitate others to take part in that call to action. Jesus came into a world to save us from ourselves, and in so doing was the innocent one who suffered for our inequities

During this Lenten system, let us rise to the challenge of identifying ways to address the many problems that plague us as we work toward oneness with those who suffer from hunger and disease, and environmental destruction.

Prayer: God of Love, show us how we can work together for a brighter and better existence for all your children. Amen.

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.