A Lenten Reflection by Sister Marita​​

At times I am overwhelmed by all that is happening in our country and in our world.   There is so much that is contrary to Gospel teaching and our Pledge of Allegiance’s “liberty and justice for all.” I find myself clinging to the scriptural verse proclaimed at Christmas: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. This deeply held belief brings me hope in my yearning for truth, justice, and respect for the dignity of every human person.

Many of us rely on GPS to reach a geographical destination. This passage from the Prophet Isaiah provides us with a roadmap for bringing about the kingdom of God on earth–a kingdom of love, justice, and peace:

    Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless;  clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.

     If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

God wants to use each of us to change the world, to counteract the fear, denigration, and violence that are so widespread, to bring about justice and peace. Jesus proclaimed You are the light of the world. Yes, we ourselves are meant to be the light. Where do we find the clarity and courage to do this? Perhaps we need to slow down and be more attentive to God’s indwelling presence deep within each of us awakening, stirring, and reshaping our minds and our hearts to be more like Christ, to be light for the world.

“For there is always light,

if only we are brave enough to see it

if only we are brave enough to be it.”

​​​—Amanda Gordon, Poet Laureate