During the season of Lent, I will be sharing a short post each day as part of the Lent-Photo-a-Day Journey, providing a sort of brief reflection and witness through the journey to and through the cross, to the tomb, and out into the world.

The word designated for March 26th was “Broken.”

“In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

We hear these words, or words similar often as part of the communion liturgy. They are followed by the words for the cup, and then usually the Lord’s Prayer and the actual giving of the bread and cup in, “The body of Christ, given for you.” And, “the blood of Christ, shed for you.”

The word broken though can also describe the pains, hurts and brokenness of this world. The prevalence of discrimination, racism and prejudice. The fact that so many people in the world lack access to safe drinking water, or that so many in the world hunger and thirst, while many more are homeless. The very fact that -isms of any kind exist creating “us and them” and barriers that divide, is a result of brokenness.

As we approach the start of Holy Week, we remember the pains which Christ endured in his journey to and through the cross. But we also know that he did so, because he cared for this broken yet beautiful world. God did not turn God’s back on us, and even on the cross we hear the words from Christ, “Forgive them…”

Merciful and Healing God, restore this broken world. Help us see where You are leading us, and help guide us to be part of Your healing and redeeming work in this world. Amen.