Lent 3 ~ Take His Place

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke…   ~  Isaiah 58: 6

 

          One steaming Friday last year, my country suffered a severe setback. Angry and upset, I realised the top federal prosecutor needed all the prayers he could get. So, I hastened to my Friday Devotions. In the silence of the church, I begged God for help for this brave and earnest man, surrounded by enemies, yet fighting to uphold justice and mercy.

          God’s reply to me then was,

And My spirit continues in your midst;
do not fear!

          A few short weeks ago, this prosecutor shook the country by an act of great valour. As a result of what he did, innocent men accused of a wrong they didn’t commit walked free this week. In these tumultuous times, that single act of courage fed many faltering spirits with the food of heaven. By the courage to do what was right, this wise man led the way.

          In his own way, he showed us all that true courage is never more needed than when we are most afraid.

          Today, another Friday a year on, I return home at night to dismal news: the prosecutor has just handed in his resignation. While a part of me falls into immediate sadness, I don’t allow it to besmirch his going, for he had given his all. He was truly a luminary great. A true follower of our humble and brave Christ, he never allowed fear to manacle him. Despite great and relentless suffering, he had taken the mission of Christ into the highest chambers.

          Tracing my heart over the words of today’s readings,

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn   ~  Isaiah 58: 6, 8

         I see the verses which speak to this good man’s mission, hidden within the office he was elected to.  He had literally set prisoners bound unjustly free. In his brief tenure, he had broken yokes which had emboldened the corrupt and incarcerated the innocent.

          Now, it was indeed time for him to move on.

          And for others to take his place. To carry on the salvific mission of Jesus.

Releasing those bound unjustly,
Untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
Breaking every yoke

          So that God’s promise for this soldier of Christ shall be for us too,

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn