This Lent, we invite you to take some time to lament that which you and others have lost. In her essay, “Four Steps of Lament,” Heidi Weaver invites us to:
• Rest, to take sabbath time to simply be present to our current situation;
• Reflect on that which has been lost;
• Repent for the sufferings and loss we have caused or overlooked; and
• Make Restitution and be Restored to God and to one another.

This year for our Lenten Meditations we have invited ten writers to share reflections on each of these four steps of lament. These writers are all leaders in The Episcopal Church and represent a diversity of perspectives, ministries and backgrounds. As a result, we are blessed to have a unique and rich tapestry of viewpoints on the universal experience of lament, loss and new life. Many of the authors share deeply personal and painful experiences related to a variety of issues including disease, violence, racial injustice and poverty.

Readers, come to these meditations with an open heart. What you read may challenge you and give rise to unexpected or uncomfortable feelings. We encourage you to engage the “Four Steps of Lament,” by resting, reflecting, repenting and ultimately being restored to God and to one another. Finally our wish for you is that God brings you rest this Lent so that you may reflect on your own loss and be transformed in the process. May God then restore your soul and bring you into the bright new life that is our Easter promise. And may you continue to know that you are loved now and always.
Amen.
Robert W. Radtke
President & CEO
Episcopal Relief & Development

REMEMBER

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”
—John 14:1-3

When we experience loss, it’s only natural for our hearts to be troubled. John’s record of the words of Jesus includes promises that touch troubled hearts—encouraging words that help us live out and reaffirm our faith and hope in eternal life.

When we are separated from our loved ones and our soul is distressed, we can find peace again if we believe with all confidence that there is room for all believers. “In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places.” The image used here is that of a group of travelers: one walks ahead and makes the necessary preparations for the others. And as Jesus prepares a dwelling for each of us, he also prepares us for that dwelling.

We have the certainty that we will meet again. Even though Jesus physically left his disciples, it was only a temporary separation. Jesus is with us always. Jesus tells his disciples that faith in God will heal their troubled hearts. He tells us the same. Today, let us move forward, not losing sight of our Savior’s cross.
—Patricia Martin

Source: https://www.episcopalrelief.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Lent-2021-English-BlackWhite.pdf; © 2021 Episcopal Relief & Development. All rights reserved. Printed in partnership with Forward Movement.