Tending Joy for Friday, February 16

Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword amongthe nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, “Where is their God?”

Isaiah 2:17

Give: to your community

On Wednesday, you reflected on your own life; yesterday, you zoomed out to the whole world. Today, Isaiah invites us to narrow the frame again, reflecting on the communities and people we call our own. The prophet fears that his people will become a laughingstock as they are subdued by nations much more powerful than theirs. Fear and shame, like Isaiah’s, are not just solo emotions; they are also communal feelings that a group of people can experience together. (Spoiler alert: so is joy.)

Recall a tragedy or hardship that affected your whole church, your community, your people, or your profession. Today, commit to giving part of your resources—your time, your talent, or your treasure—to one of these communities, people, or causes over the course of this Lenten season. Buy an extra can for the local food pantry when you shop; volunteer at the local library; collect change for local wildlife preservation. If you are already participating in a sustained pattern of giving, consider going the extra mile for these forty days.