Set the Oppressed Free

Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me – it is the Lord who speaks – to break unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke.
Is.58:6

The list of acceptable fasting that pleases God starts with an emphatic, "Set the oppressed free!"

Anyone who does not follow Jesus is a prisoner to something else. We have a God space within us that we yearn to fill. And so we should, with the one true God. 

I can set people free of idols when I introduce them to Jesus. The Alpha Course is one way of doing this. Prayer is another.

Saints Perpetua and Felicity, please pray for me.

 

Happy Lent

I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of the Lord your God.
Dt.30:19

It always comes down to my choice. Blessing or curse, life or death. It's my call.

How wonderful is today's psalm response; Happy are they who hope in the Lord. Lent can be a time of happiness and joy. How? By me choosing life in all the choices I will face. 

Holy Spirit, giver of life in the womb of Mumma Mary, help me choose life and gain joy. 

The Upside Down Pyramid

Many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Mk.10:31

Jesus calls me to radically change my point of view on life to a perspective opposite to the world's. 

A metaphor for the life Jesus calls me to is an upside down pyramid. From Jesus' standpoint, the least are the greatest, the last are first, the weak and defenseless enter the Kingdom to become rulers. The Church agrees with this. Popes are called servants of the servants of God. 

So, that carnal desire in me to be the best, the greatest, the smartest needs to be nailed to The Cross and crucified. This Lent could be a good time to change my perspective, a good time to turn the pyramid upside down.

Jesus, you know how I strive to be the greatest. Help me strive to be the least so I may be great in your sight.

Lack and Love

Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack...'
Mk.10:21

While the rich young man is sincere in wanting to live a life closer to God, his piety is not enough. Rather than his lack repelling Jesus, it causes him to love the young man even more.

I would say the rich young man is most likely living a more holy life than me. I understand the disciples when they say "Who can be saved?" This is where God's love kicks in for me, the love that is patient, kind, that keeps no record of wrongs, that trusts and hopes.

Yes I lack much, but yes, I am loved much. With Jesus, lack and love seem to go together. Here is the source of my hope and joy.

The Lord is My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.

Ps.22:1,2

With Jesus shepherding me, what more do I need? Nothing!

This well known psalm lists how I am blessed in following Jesus.

He gives me rest

He revives me

He guides me

He comforts me

He feeds me

He anoints me

He blesses me

He provides an eternal home for me

Oh, yes... The Lord is my  shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

 

Friend

But who do you say that I am?
Mk.8:29

Jesus asks his disciples, and me, the ultimate question. My answer determines my destiny.

Jesus was either mad, bad, or who he said he was. Nothing in scripture, or secular recorded history from his times, supports him being mad or bad. 

Was he just "a great prophet"? Jesus doesn't give us that option. He alone among the founders of great religions doesn't point to God. He points to himself. "I am the way, the truth, the life." 

There are many, many names given to Jesus, different names that I use depending on what is happening in my life. Today I name him Friend. 

Prophet of Joy and Hope

Alleluia, alleluia!
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our heart
that we may see how great is the hope
to which we are called.
Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation (Ep.1:17)

Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to see what? Great hope. 

Hope is a wonderful thing to possess. It allows prisoners to be free, the sick to see beyond their illness, the poor to feel rich. It changes everything when we have it and everything when we don't.

Lord Jesus, you are my unshakable source of hope. Let me be a prophet of joy and hope to those I meet today.