The 39th word in my Lent lexicon is:
GATHERED.
In today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah God promises to gather God’s people together. God seeks out the people who have been scattered by exile and brings them back to a place of safety and flourishing. God creates a home for them where they can rediscover their true identity as the people of God:
“I shall gather them together from everywhere and bring them home…they shall be my people and I will be their God.”
It’s a beautiful image offering hope and promising peace. It’s easy to imagine how it must have spoken to the longing of the scattered and exiled people of Israel. It also speaks to our experience. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we too are broken. The challenges and activities of daily life can leave us feeling fragmented and scattered.
To get through the day we have to present ourselves in many different ways, move in many different directions and often spread ourselves very thinly. While much of this is unavoidable it doesn’t help us towards the wholeness and singleness of heart we desire.
God promises to seek us out, to bring our broken selves back together, tenderly gathering the fragments, healing as and restoring our wholeness.
Part of the work of Lent is to admit our fragmentation and to allow the healing touch of God into our lives to bring us back to wholeness.
Where are you aware of Christ drawing you back to wholeness this Lent?