Lord, who can see beyond the water in which they swim? The wisest among us still sees through lenses of empire, capital, profit margins: the only glasses we have ever worn.
We brandish our weak tools to cure the wounds of the world.
Without you, we will have no other vision, no way to imagine a world renewed. Without you, we will prescribe ourselves in circles, cycling from one violence to another.
Forgive us our repetition of the sins of this world.
Freshen and brighten and delight our minds with an inbreaking of your new way. Remind us that, as W. H. Auden writes,
“There is no such thing as the State And no one exists alone… We must love one another or die.”
In the name of that Love in all Love’s forms: Mother, Messiah, and the Spirit of the new Kingdom. Amen.
(Vox Prayer Team)
Scripture
We invite you to hear from the Gospel according to Luke 13:31-35
31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work.
33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”
Where might God be inviting you to challenge the status quo of empire and lean more into a kingdom mindset?
In this season of Lent, how are you creating space to examine the longings of your heart?
What is one way you might let God gather you under her wings this week?
Benediction
“Listen,” says our Lord. “Beyond the sounds of your own frightened body. Beyond the grief of your own frightened heart.
Can you hear me? I am coming up behind you. I am wrapping my arms around your frame.
Dear child, the forces that surround you will do you no harm that survives in the long run. I will weep over this world
as I hold you.
I will wonder at its beauty, and I will teach you how to do it too. I will be your shelter, your vision, the crack in the surface that lets in the light, and in fact the light itself. Empire slides off my back, my love.
Something new is stirring. Something new is already here.”
Go from here with the Spirit who holds you, the Sibling who protects you, and the Parent who fights for you. Amen.
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