Lenten Lessons In Love & Justice

There was a time in my career as a pastor when I was more worried about offending people and ruffling feathers than I was about speaking the truth about what it means to be a Jesus-follower in a divided culture. 

Interestingly, when I've taught and preached about love and justice from the Bible, some folks have accused me of being "too political," glossing over the fact that the words I used were directly from Scripture. 

Now, I should say that I have sometimes succumbed to the temptation of self-indulgence and have let my own fears, anger, and frustration seep into what I say.  

This is why I need Jesus, y'all.  I have to die to myself and offer up repentance for that kind of thing all the time.  

However, I've come to believe that it is crucial as a Christian and a pastor to be guided by the teachings of Christ, the witness of Scripture, and my own faithful convictions when I speak to the challenges of our day.  

The season of Lent is a perfect time to reflect on this very thing as we all do our best to extend the need for repentance and renewal from our hearts to the world around us. 

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of the profound call to embody love and justice in our lives, following the example of Jesus Christ. 

The late theologian and author Henri Nouwen once wrote: 

“For a Christian is only a Christian when he unceasingly asks critical questions of the society in which he lives and continuously stresses the necessity for conversion, not only of the individual but also of the world.” 

There is so much wisdom in this quote that encapsulates the essence of Lent, inviting us to deliberate deeply on our roles as agents of change in a world often fraught with injustice and inequality.

Jesus’ ministry was grounded in love and justice. He challenged societal norms, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed, and embodying God’s vision for a kingdom where all are valued. 

This commitment ultimately led to His crucifixion, a stark reminder of the consequences of challenging the status quo. One of the teachings Jesus related to his followers that led the religious and political elite in his day to see him as a threat is the Great Commandment.  

In Mark 12:31, Jesus declares the Great Commandment as, "To love the Lord your God" and “love your neighbor as yourself.” 

This two-part, inextricably connected command compels us to expand our understanding of love beyond personal relationships, calling us to seek justice and advocate for those whose voices are silenced.

Lent serves as a period of introspection. We are invited to ask ourselves—how do our actions reflect the love and justice of Christ? Nouwen’s assertion that we must engage critically with our society challenges us to identify the injustices around us. 

This might mean questioning systemic inequalities, standing against oppression, or advocating for those in need. It is not enough to focus on personal piety; our faith must galvanize us into action.

As we journey through this season, we can engage in practices that deepen our understanding of love and justice. Consider fasting—not just from food, but from distractions that hinder our awareness of societal issues. 

Engage in prayer not solely for personal needs but for the world’s healing and transformation. Seek opportunities to serve those who suffer, reflecting Jesus’ love in tangible ways. Connect with communities that challenge injustice and strive to embody the values of God’s kingdom.

Let this Lent be a clarion call to us all. As we move toward the joy of resurrection, we must remember that our commitment to faith necessitates engagement in the world around us. 

We are called not only to seek our individual conversion but also to work towards transforming the entire world, echoing the mission of Christ. 

Embrace this season as a time to learn and grow in your capacity to love and pursue justice. Your actions, grounded in faith, can be a powerful testament to the Kingdom of God. 

Let love and justice inspire your path this Lent, igniting a commitment to bring hope and change to a needy world.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.