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Céire Kealty Lent invites us to relinquish certain comforts. Ideally, as we peel away the layers of comfort with which we surround ourselves — such as meat, alcohol, gossip, or television — we learn how to abide in Christ and gain insight from the stillness of Gethsemane, the sorrow of Golgotha, and the redemption of the cross. For the past month, I struggled to decide what to “fast” from. Quiet contemplation bore rich insights for Christian monastics, so I turned to silence and tried to listen to God. But no sooner did I seek out a moment of quiet, than I heard the unmistakable ping of my inbox coaxing me to “Act now!” “Check out these deals!” “Hurry!” and “Buy, buy, buy, buy!” Regardless of the brand, these retail messages are constant, pervasive, and often persuasive. And I’ll confess: Though I know the “stuff” promised by these brands is part of a hyper-consumptive din, the disruptions these messages bring aren’t entirely unwelcome. The promise of a bargain or the thought of a shiny new thing brings me inexplicable comfort during a stressful work week or interpersonal turmoil. It dulls the existential dread that has followed me since the start of the pandemic. Which is how I settled on my Lenten practice: This year, I’m fasting from the noise of retail frenzy.
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Our Latest How Black History Can Inspire Climate Activism (by Rebecca Randall) George Washington Carver, Alice Ball, and other Black scientists help inspire, faith, racial justice and climate action. Faith Leaders Join Asylum Seekers’ Calls for Access to D.C. Resources (by Dante Nieto) “We are being penalized for being poor, and this goes against the definition of sanctuary that this city supposedly claims to be,” Maryuri, a Venezuelan mother, said. Vincent Lloyd on Salvation From ‘Anti-racist Hell’ (by Mitchell Atencio) The Villanova theologian and director of Africana studies discusses abuse and trauma, using the word “cult,” and why he published that controversial essay. Friendships Fall Apart in ‘Banshees of Inisherin’ (by Joey Thurmond) Martin McDonagh’s film captures the complexities and tragedies of being friends with people through troubled times. |
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From the Magazine The Risky Business of Incarnation (by Natalie Wigg-Stevenson) March reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary, Cycle A |
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OPENING - Anabaptist Climate Collaborative Executive Director The ACC seeks an energetic and creative Executive Director. The ACC’s mission is to address climate change by promoting engagement and understanding through the perspectives of justice, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. Review of applications will begin immediately. See full announcement and application details on ACC’s website. MCC opportunity to help place candidates globally in development roles MCC seeks a full-time HR Recruiter to source and place candidates for MCC service globally. This role will carry out an organization-wide recruitment strategy, lead selection processes to fill MCC vacancies around the world and ensure smooth onboarding. This position will also attend local recruitment events. Apply by March 19. Upcoming Zoom Programs with Rev. John Dear and the Beatitudes Center The Beatitudes Center hosts regular zoom sessions on Jesus, the Gospels, peacemaking and nonviolence, hosted by Rev. John Dear. Upcoming speakers include Dr. Cornel West, Frida Berrigan, Bishop John Stowe, Marisa Guerin, Frank Cordaro, Larry Rasmussen and others. Use your faith to spread awareness about climate change Anita's village in Malawi has seen the urgent impact of climate change. Follow her journey to the US in The Ants and the Grasshopper, as she uses her faith to connect with American farmers across social divides, inspiring them to take action. Join fellow faith-led climate activists with our toolkit. |
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