Tuesday 15 March 2022

Today is Tuesday the 15th of March, in the second week of Lent.
The University of Johannesburg choir sing the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God's unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As I listen, I might think for a moment about my need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for me to show that same forgiveness to others.
Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison

Today's reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

We are in the season of Lent, an annual opportunity to turn back to God in the different areas of our lives. In this passage God invites us to do just that. What is your initial response to this invitation?
The call here is not just to personal piety, but to work for justice, and reach out to the oppressed, those most needy in society. What reaction is stirred up in you by this aspect of God's call?
As you listen again, notice that these words are addressed in the first instance to the rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities noted for their wickedness. Does that affect the way that you hear all that follows?
God invites a response here: "Come now, let us argue it out." Take a moment or two to do just that.


You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.