Taking up (not giving up) something for Lent

We are in the midst of the liturgical season of Lent, when folks traditionally “give up” something, whether it be alcohol, chocolate, or fatty foods.

Some folks give up swearing or social media. One member of my confirmation class has pledged to give up soda. The idea, I think, is to help us to reflect on God rather than the idols that we often turn to in society. In fasting, we find space to focus on what truly matters: Our relationship with our Creator.

I think a well-rounded life of discipleship involves taking on certain things, as well. In Methodism, and, I trust, many other faiths, well-rounded disciples engage in acts of worship in the public sphere and acts of devotion in the private sphere. We also try to engage in works of mercy that involve mission work with individuals in the private sphere. What often falls by the wayside, I fear, is a fourth aspect to works of mercy in the public sphere: engagement in acts of justice.

The prophets also talked about preoccupations with certain aspects of discipleship to the exclusion of justice. Isaiah Chapter 58 discusses Israel’s preoccupation with fasting in search of God’s favor. In response, the prophet reminds us that God favors those who seek justice:

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. 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.

9. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.

So often we forget that God in Christ is most present in the faces of those with whom we are supposed to be in ministry — the least of these.

The question then becomes, “What does justice look like?” A friend of mine, Kristin Kumpf, has described it as something beyond giving folks a fish or teaching them to fish: It’s giving folks access to the pond. Justice means changing systems and creating access to life-giving flourishing.

Many folks wonder where to start. There are so many injustices in the world, they can be overwhelming. To that extent, I would offer this old metaphor. How do you eat an elephant? The answer: One bite at a time.

Some folks give up swearing or social media. One member of my confirmation class has pledged to give up soda. The idea, I think, is to help us to reflect on God rather than the idols that we often turn to in society.

Sometimes you just have to start.

For example, some of us in the Hamden and New Haven clergy communities have been working to develop a network of folks interested in accompanying immigrants facing deportation to court hearings and Immigration and Customs Enforcement check-ins. You, too, can serve as a support to someone in this fear-filled environment of uncertainty, and as a witness to a terribly intimidating system. There will be an Accompaniment Training Sunday, March 26, at Spring Glen Congregational Church (1825 Whitney Ave.) from 3-5 p.m. Please join us in taking up the cause of justice for Lent.