Monday, March 17, 2014

Lenten Reflections

Diocese of Newark

Thank you for joining us in prayer and reflection during this season of Lent. We will travel through daily scripture, reflection and prayer. Additional people have been joining us each day. Please feel free to forward these reflections to others. We invite you to explore the other resources of the season found at the bottom of the page as we continue the journey together.

Scripture

"The seven years of plenty that prevailed in the land of Egypt came to an end; and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of Egypt there was bread. When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do." And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world."

Genesis 41:53-57

Reflection

This man, Joseph, is the same one who was sold into slavery by his envious brothers some 20-odd years before this moment. In a world where the insidious and often invisible evil of human trafficking is rampant, we do well to note some features of this story. The perpetrators are often members of the victim's own family who have chosen to sell their child or sister or brother for their own personal gain. Joseph was freed by a people foreign to his own people; liberated by a power greater than that of his father's tribe. Most important to me is the truth that God is able to redeem the sin of greed and the pain and loss it causes. With God's help, we ourselves, our congregations and our communities can become safe places where victims find refuge and are met with compassion, hope, and freedom. Remember that the one who was imprisoned, sold, and enslaved became the one who fed nations - "all the world came to Joseph."

Prayer

God of compassion, give us grace to see

those who are sold, enslaved, and imprisoned

by forces beyond their control,

and give us power to help,

through Jesus Christ,

in whom all things are possible. Amen.

You are invited to click these links and explore more resources:

Lent 2014-Formation Ideas, Activities, and Resources - from Sharon Pearson

Praying Lent - Resources for Lent - from Creighton University (A Jesuit Catholic University)

Holy Week and Good Friday Resources - from The Episcopal Church

The Meaning of Lent - from Vibrant Faith @ Home