Lent is a time for rebuilding and restoring our relationship with God. Here’s today’s reflection from the daily Mass.
BIBLE READINGS: You can find the readings for Saturday after Ash Wednesday here
I once received an email from a well minded person complaining about the condition of a boundary fence in one of my churches.
The fence wasn’t dangerous at all. It was just in need of some extensive painting. I thanked them for their email, agreed the railings needed painting, but also outlined all the other repairs and items of maintenance currently on the go, and the costly responsibilities in caring for a listed building financed only by the congregation. I invited them to make a financial contribution to the painting of the railings. I never heard from them again.
It’s this kind of imagery which is used by the prophet Isaiah in today’s readings. “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” It’s an image of repair and renewal, of hope and resurrection, of restoration and celebration. But it comes at a cost. Of course, he’s not talking about putting our time and attention into old buildings at the expense of so many other aspects of mission and ministry. It’s a powerful image which doesn’t look back to a past time but looks forward to a new age built upon the foundations of faithfulness, justice and love.
Whilst we can easily be distracted by the burdens of buildings (as important as they are) they are built only upon lives of conversion and faith, of reaching out to those in need and remaining faithful to the gospel. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is invited home to Levi’s house where he spends time and shares space with many undesirable and unpopular people. But he’s having a feast day. For Levi has come home in more ways than one. He is rebuilding his house and making his home a place of faith. It costs him dearly. After all, he has left everything to follow Jesus. But the ruins of his life have been rebuilt. He has repaired the breach.
Mass today is at S Mary’s Church at 1130am
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