Date: Saturday, February 29
Scripture: Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
by Anthony Alexander, Union of Black Episcopalians
As I prepare myself to celebrate a Holy Lent, it should be noted that I have a running feud with Lent. You see, I am extremely uncomfortable with Lent. Some years ago, I came to understand that I am complicit in the events that lead up to Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday. At this point, any rational, sane, and intelligent person would say, “What do you mean? You were not alive two thousand years ago. How are you complicit?” And that is when all my “stuff” comes stumbling out my neat little storage shed.
My anger towards those who are different. My intolerance for those who do not speak like me, dress like me, and don’t believe as I do. The ugly part that I try to keep hidden from others sticks its head out and causes me to spit on Jesus, to deny him as my Savior, and causes him to be whipped in my stead. Each year during Lent, I am reminded of how I had part in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. Therein lies my discomfort. I have sinned against God in Christ and there is nothing beautiful about my sins.
As I journey through Lent feeling unworthy of God’s grace, I am struck by Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, they shall obtain mercy.” But Lord, when did I show you mercy? Especially when I was doing my own thing? As I pondered those words, my mind’s eye traveled to the AIDS patients I once visited. I thought about all the men and women I visited in the prisons in Central Pennsylvania. I even thought about the number of families that were returning to society whom we provided temporary housing. Then I knew, the times I forgot about myself and ignored my pride, that I showed mercy to Christ. Thanks be to God!
Prayer: God of Light and Love, grant that we may forget ourselves and show mercy to others, just as you have shown mercy to us. Amen.
Criminal Justice Fact: PA ranks 8th in the nation for the number of inmates who have spent 3 or more years in solitary confinement.
Action: Sign our open letter to PA government officials calling for reducing the use of solitary confinement in PA’s prisons.
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