As Lent approaches I thought you might be interested in what some other people have said about Lent and Fasting. I hope it might assist you and me as we contemplate our individual discipline for this Lent. I might even search the archives for some of my previous reflections, as well. I will continue to throw in a meditation or Letters to Tom as well. The first quote comes from one of my favorite prophets, Isaiah. I recommend you read the entire Chapter 58, but here is a preview:
“ Is this not the fast 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?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And to bring the homeless poor into your house;
When you see the naked, to cover them,
And not to hide yourself from your own kin?” Isaiah 58:6-7.
This alone has about it all — social justice, mercy, sharing, and family.
Charlotte is blessed with trees. Large trees line the streets constantly reminding me of driving down a pecan grove. They are beginning to bloom and show early signs of their magnificence. I live only one small block from one of Charlotte’s many parks. It is full of trees and as the weather improves I notice on my walks a lone tree still gray, barren of buds, and worn with age. I identify with this tree that stands in contrast to its companions who are already showing color and life. Upon examination, I find my tree is still alive, it is just a little late in blooming. Its buds will soon appear and bloom as they had many years in the past. My tree gives me confidence that I too will reach my potential. I just need to be patient like my new friend in the park.
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