Carrying Light and Love: The Beginning of Passover

Day 41

By by Diane Martin, spiritual growth coordinator, Yellowstone Conference

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

—Isaiah 42:1-9

April 18, 2011

Like Jesus, owned by God and filled with a gentle encouraging spirit, we declare truth and justice to the world. United Methodist Women members are called to shine, scattering the darkness of poverty, illiteracy, domestic violence, AIDS and incarceration. Through our sacrifice of love, caring and hope, can we light lives? Yes, if we actively seek those who are imprisoned and made captive by greed. Let us fan the flames of truth so the world recognizes a new vision, a new way of living.

As Passover begins we are thankful for the protection of shed blood. We have been chosen to be bearers of sunshine, moonbeams and starlight that pierce the gloom and fog of discrimination and intolerance.

Prayer

Energizing Spirit, continue to move us out of our comfort zone into the worlds of those who seek justice. Pour out your mercy on us all, so together we can work for better lives. In the name of our Creator and Savior, Jesus the Christ, amen.

Last Updated: 04/15/2011