In the midst of the world’s present chaos which consumes my thoughts and haunts my soul, Lent arrives on my doorstep admonishing, “Repent and believe the Good News; change your heart and live in God”.
Today’s perilous mass migration of refugees and migrants from the Middle East in their dinghy-like boats has called for radical change in our hearts and deep trust in God as we reach out to assist in a myriad of ways. The hosts of people who have answered the urgent need have taken the Gospel message to new heights in their response to the poor and abandoned. We are heartened by countries who have opened their doors to embrace those forced from their homes and fleeing demonic oppressors. Lent provides an opportunity to support our cities and citizens who have offered their homes to shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and nurture those who need us to share our very lives. This will be a challenging venture, the end of which we do not know and cannot see.
Lent 2016 presents God’s expectations in the prophet Isaiah’s exhortation:
“Is not this 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 the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?" (Isaiah 58:6-7)
Isaiah’s exhortation to the world today is as timely as when first spoken centuries ago. Throngs continue to flee the bonds of injustice and oppression. Many arrive on our shores hungry, naked and homeless. This Lent, let us offer our generous response to those whom we can support.
“Then will your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am’.” (Isaiah 58:8-9)
Jean Moylan, CSJ