Lent 2026

Feb 19
2 min read

woman's face with cross of ashes on her forehead — Photo by Annika Gordon on Unsplash

6 "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps 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.'" (Isaiah 58:6-9a)

Every year during Lent many of us give up something, or take up some new or revived devotional practice, for the 40 days leading up to the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Most years, at the end of those 40 days, we go back to business as usual. Perhaps this year we might consider something more lasting, more impactful. The prophet Isaiah made it clear that God was not pleased with or impressed by temporary acts of piety - traditions that served to benefit no one - without transformation of the heart. Instead, God calls us - again, and always - to right relationship with Creator and creation. Is there someone we need to forgive? Is there some wasteful or harmful practice we need to end? Are there people we have the power and ability to help? Do we have a surplus of anything that could be of use to someone else? Rather than adding to our to-do lists, we can renew daily our intention to embody the gospel of Jesus. It always comes back to loving God and neighbor. No more is needed. No less is required. Instead of trying to single-handedly right all of the wrongs in the world, we can simply begin to yield to God's desire to right the wrongs within us. If we are willing, God is able.

6 You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:6-12)

Enjoy this original song by yours truly!