Last 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.

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.

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 RESTITUTION & RESTORATION “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”

—Galatians 6:9 Only by persevering in doing what is right will we be led to the reward we were promised. How can I “do what is right” to someone who is lying and doing me harm? God is wiser than I. God says that the best thing to do is forgive—not to hold grudges or resentment but to love my neighbor and always do what is right.

So that is what I will do, and I invite you to join me. I know how challenging this sounds, but today we are deciding to place God above everything else. We are learning how to live beneath the cross and to persevere.

All that we sow, we will reap. Let us wait with faith and never lose heart as we continue doing what is right. The outside world may rage against us. Have faith. Do what is right. There is one more thing I invite you to do:

Ask God in prayer to fill your heart with love, justice and forgiveness.
Try to do God’s will. Try to always be connected to God, even if a part of you doesn’t want to.
Doing what is right is more challenging than following our own wishes.
You will need faith and resolve to want to please the Lord.
Let’s keep on walking, one step at a time.

—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.