Old Testament: Isaiah 58:9-14
Gospel: Luke 27-32
Psalm 86:1-11
I came to know and become involved with Alabama Arise through the late Rev. Peter Horn. Peter in believed Arise’s mission of recognizing the struggles of the poor and working towards systemic change. Alabama Arise gives voice to those who have none in the Alabama Legislature and keeps Alabama’s citizens informed about laws which penalize those among us who are trapped in poverty. The prophet Isaiah reminds us if we “offer food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,” then our light shall rise in the darkness.
The passage from Psalms also exhorts, “Give ear, oh Lord, to my prayer and attend to the voice of my supplications.” Many different faith groups are represented at the lobby days when we walk the halls speaking to legislators about legislation which may help to level the playing field (such as laws restricting payday lenders, rights for tenants, the burden of work requirements for those receiving food and health assistance). It is encouraging to be side by side with those who are the voices of those unable to present their supplications.
In Luke’s gospel, Jesus responds to the Pharisees, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick, I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Perhaps we all should reconsider society’s attitude towards the poor, that their poverty is an affliction they have brought open themselves. Removing the yoke as Isaiah reminds us allows us to be a “restorer of streets to live in” and our voices for those who feel they do not have a voice shall be the light in the darkness.
Susan McAlister
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