Recently, I preached a series of sermons on chapters 58 through 62 of Isaiah featuring the metaphors about light. It is a powerful read if you think about America today receiving the prophet's warning.
With Lent starting next week I'm reminded of the words we heard in chapter 58:
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?
And if we heed the message, then what?
Then your light shall 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.
There is good news in "right worship" (the literal meaning of orthodox). I believe there is also hope in individual action. The promise of "your light" breaking forth is not plural in the Hebrew, the promise is that your personal light will shine. Jesus would remind us not to put it under a bushel!
I'm moved by the wisdom of the ONE Campaign. Check it out here (The ONE Campaign will also be a focus of the U2charist in Longmeadow tomorrow). They are putting forth a belief in the power of ONE. Here is a part of the pledge they encourage each of us to take:
We believe we can beat AIDS, starvation and extreme poverty.
We recognize ONE billion people live on less than ONE dollar a day.
We commit ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to a make better, safer world for all.
The power of ONE is the power of ONE person who believes that all the people of the world are ONE and that together as ONE we can build a better tomorrow. In this philosophy I hear the wisdom of the theology I proclaim that we are all ONE body with many parts, living our lives to the glory of the ONE God.
On Ash Wednesday we will hold three worship services during which you will be able to dedicate your Lenten fast. This is a chance to celebrate the power of ONE person to make a difference. With the Lorax in mind (see previous post) we are encouraging fasts that make a positive ecological impact. You can use this form to dedicate your fast. If you want to do it "virtually" you can name it in a comment to this post (anonymously if you like).
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?
And if we heed the message, then what?
Then your light shall 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.
There is good news in "right worship" (the literal meaning of orthodox). I believe there is also hope in individual action. The promise of "your light" breaking forth is not plural in the Hebrew, the promise is that your personal light will shine. Jesus would remind us not to put it under a bushel!
I'm moved by the wisdom of the ONE Campaign. Check it out here (The ONE Campaign will also be a focus of the U2charist in Longmeadow tomorrow). They are putting forth a belief in the power of ONE. Here is a part of the pledge they encourage each of us to take:
We believe we can beat AIDS, starvation and extreme poverty.
We recognize ONE billion people live on less than ONE dollar a day.
We commit ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to a make better, safer world for all.
The power of ONE is the power of ONE person who believes that all the people of the world are ONE and that together as ONE we can build a better tomorrow. In this philosophy I hear the wisdom of the theology I proclaim that we are all ONE body with many parts, living our lives to the glory of the ONE God.
On Ash Wednesday we will hold three worship services during which you will be able to dedicate your Lenten fast. This is a chance to celebrate the power of ONE person to make a difference. With the Lorax in mind (see previous post) we are encouraging fasts that make a positive ecological impact. You can use this form to dedicate your fast. If you want to do it "virtually" you can name it in a comment to this post (anonymously if you like).
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