February 17: A Time to be Transformed and Healed

Ash Wednesday

February 17, 2021

I love Lent. Perhaps it has something to do with the way I show up in the world as earnest. More likely, it is the community support that comes along with any individual acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving I decide to do.

I admire my Jewish friends who practice the deep-down rest of the weekly Sabbath-keeping and giving. Immersed in thousands of years of tradition, and the bulwark of community support, Sabbath sustains, renews, and heals.

As we embark on this 40 (or 46) day Lenten “Journey Toward Healing,” I invite you to intentionally explore what needs healing in you, in our Church, and in our world.

If you haven’t spent time learning about white supremacy’s deep roots in our nation’s foundations, or the complicity of Christianity in systemic racism, now is a great time to do so. It is good to remember that Jesus did not separate politics from his understanding of God’s will. In fact, what got Jesus killed is that He confronted Empire and the inequities caused by economic and political power. Jesus wanted the poor to be fed, housed, and clothed now.

Our challenge is to allow Lent to transform us, and heal us.

Know this: God goes with you wherever you go.

M Cathy Harmon-Christian, PhD (she/her) has been a member of the Shrine since 2014. She has been a Co-Leader of the Sunday Lectionary Study, a lector, altar server, etc. She currently co-facilitates the JustFaith Racial Equity Series.

These reflections are meant to challenge us in our journey through Lent. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments with us.