First Sunday of Lent: Race, power, and justice
For Lent 2022, members of CTA’s Anti-Racism Team are sharing weekly reflections. As they are published, their pieces will be posted here.
Readings
“My father was a wandering Aramean who went down to Egypt with a small household and lived there as an alien…” Deuteronomy 26:5
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, the same Lord is Lord of all.” Romans 10:12
“The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish.” Luke 4:6
(Read the full lectionary readings for the day: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13.)
Prayer
O, Holy One, remind us always that we were once strangers in a strange land, dependent on the kindness and generosity of others. Protect all those who are forced to leave the land of their birth, or are forcibly removed from it by those who would take it from them. Let us remember and honor those whose land we stand upon at this moment, who lived, prayed, loved, worked and died to care for it.
Make us kind.
Remind us always to be open and accepting of those who differ from us in appearance or beliefs, and help us to learn from others whose story is different from ours.
Make us loving.
Remind us always that all power comes from you, and it is ours only to use for the welfare of others who have no power. Guide all those who wield great power over others to walk in the way of truth. Guide all of us who benefit from this power to lay it down and share it freely with others.
Make us just.
Reflection
The news of the day is terrifying and disheartening. It seems that it is beyond our power to change anything: racial injustice and discrimination and hatred here at home, or the immoral acts of brutality and destruction abroad. We are very small and insufficient in the face of so much hatred. Of course, we can and should pray and support causes that are trying to make a difference.
But, let us remember that those who wield such destructive earthly power derive that power from us. It is our responsibility to make a difference, not simply to bow our heads in prayer and silence. In times like these, knowing and speaking the truth can be acts of resistance.
It is our responsibility to resist the hatred and cruelty of the world, never to accept it as inevitable or unchangeable. We must search our own hearts and minds for any contamination or residue of racism, or any other dehumanizing prejudice, and sweep our houses clean. We need to speak the truth openly, and to confront the lies wherever they are heard, whether in family, government, Church, or in ourselves.
We know that the power that the evil one promised to Jesus in the desert was a myth and a lie. True power comes only from God and is given to us through the Holy Spirit, granting us wisdom, courage, and strength, and yes, compassion for our own weary souls.
The path for our Lenten journey is clearly marked out, there is no mistaking it.
Questions for discussion or reflection
How and where can I use my time, talent and treasure to ease the pain of suffering and to help us move forward as a Christian community?
In the words of Fr. Richard Rohr, “what is there for me to do” within myself in order to fully accept this mission? How am I contributing to the problem and not the solution?
Suggestions for Almsgiving
Any of the humanitarian causes providing help to refugees in Ukraine, or anywhere in the world. Catholic Relief Services, International Rescue, Red Cross, etc.
Support organizations like Restorative Justice, which works for prison reform, alternatives, and reconciliation, and Fair Fight, a voting rights organization rooted in Georgia.
Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. -St. Augustine
