“I Have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33
March 5, 2022
Lent 2022
The term “pregnant pause” describes a gap between spoken words that are full of meaning. In other words, it is in silence that the most profound effect is absorbed.
I submit that we are now in a pregnant pause. The bustle of the holiday season is well behind us. The hush of winter has taken its place but, in this hush, lies great internal work. In a world in which trouble is guaranteed, kingdom building is dangerous work.
It can feel impossible to avoid the battlefronts of evil at every turn if we are to be agents for love and justice. Like any fighter who trains physically, like any competitor who prepares mentally, we too prepare our minds, bodies, and souls to love when our enemies call us to hate, to care when apathy tempts us away from vulnerability, and to stand up when sitting feels safer.
We can do this, and more knowing Christ has already overcome this world. Victory waits on the other side of this pause.
Prayer
Creator, as you tilt our world towards a season of renewal, thaw our hearts to the suffering of our neighbors near and far. Remind us of those seeds of courageous compassion you have planted within us in preparation for the spiritual toil ahead. Amen.
Jonathan E. Botts
Church School
Lent 2022
We invite you to join us on a 40-day journey of prayer, financial sacrifice, physical activity, and spiritual connection.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you as we prepare for Resurrection join us as we are reminded, awakened to the great power of God within us, and connect to our role in building with God a world of justice.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.
Comments