3 March 2017 Reflection

Isaiah 58:1-9A; Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 18-19; Matthew 9:14-15

REFLECTION

One of my friends has a sticker on her computer that says “No Coffee, No Workee.” I couldn’t agree more. Whether made in my french press at home, or ordered from Uncommon Grounds, it’s hard for me to imagine starting the day without a cup (or two) of coffee.
 
Despite being raised going to church, I had never observed a Lenten fast until Georgetown. I wasn’t sure what to give up my first year, but I wanted to make it meaningful. With much fear and trembling I decided to give up coffee for these 40 days. Though I didn’t experienced headaches during my fast, I may have caused a few. Halfway through the fast my wife gently said to me, “You can’t fast coffee next year.” I was surprised and asked why not. She replied, “Giving up coffee isn’t just a sacrifice for you, it’s a sacrifice for me.” As I reflected on my general mood during those weeks, I realized I may have unintentionally let my piety overshadow my usually pleasant demeanor.
 
The people of Israel practiced piety through fasting, but they simultaneously mistreated people. Isaiah’s message in the passage we read today is that piety without caring for people completely misses the point. As important as this season is, God cares more about how we treat people than how pious we can be.
 
Together we’ve given up different things from food to social media. Many of these sacrifices will be difficult, especially during times of stress. As we begin this journey together, let’s hold each other accountable as my wife did for me. Let’s remember that God cares more about how we treat the people in our lives than He does the important sacrifices we make.
 
Rev. Jonathan Rice is Associate Director of Residential Ministry in the Office of Campus Ministry.
 
Loving God, please help me to be loving. As I commit my sacrifice to you during this Lenten season, help me to remember my larger commitment to your children. Help me to remember that no matter how big my sacrifice may be, my faith rests solely in the sacrifice Jesus made for me on the cross. Thank you for your overwhelming love; please help me, especially during this season, to share that love. Amen.

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