Ordinary Time

Pause

Listen slowly —

You can hear something quickly, but you can really only listen slowly. Hearing may happen accidently, but listening only happens intentionally.

Sometimes, the Spirit whispers. Always Love listens.

Listen

Isn’t this the fast I choose: releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke, setting free the mistreated, and breaking every yoke? Isn’t it sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house, covering the naked when you see them, and not hiding from your own family? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and you will be healed quickly. Your own righteousness will walk before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 58:6-8

Think

Isaiah’s call to fast is not passive, but active. We are to let the oppressed go free, break every yoke, share our bread with the hungry and our home with the homeless.

God never calls us to do nothing.

As Christians, when we pray, “In Jesus name,” it is more than merely uttering a familiar phrase. We are making a radical statement about our first allegiance. Our fasting and prayers should propel us to action. We should speak for those without voice. We should remember those who feel forgotten. We should proclaim that people, all people, regardless of their race or religion, gender, ethnicity, or orientation… All people are made in the image of God.

How do we fix what is wrong in the world?

By choosing to do what is right, regardless of the cost.

Chris George

Pray

God who stands beside the suffering and comforts those who are mourning, grant me the strength to speak and to act with courage. Transform my prayers into actions and remind me of the One who walked among us and teaches us how to live and how to love — the Christ, in whose name I pray, amen.

Go

God gives you strength to overcome any struggle, blessings greater than your burdens. This is Good News.

Speak Up. Speak Out.

Fast and Feed.

Pray and Act.

Live and Love.