We now enter the darkness of Lent, a time when we should not just repent for the destructive policies being ushered in by a new regime that would raise carbon emissions instead of reducing them, deport people who are our neighbors along with their U.S. citizen children and spouses, and destroy programs for the poor.
The new regime makes the Roman occupation of ancient Palestine look good, except, possibly, for the crucifixions, of course. But those will follow, as power hungry Senators threaten to impeach Federal judges who block the hate-filled actions of the new regime.
Not only will carbon emissions not meet the 1.5 Celsius goal to make the earth livable, but will actually make it less so through oil and gas drilling, not to mention the plan to eviscerate national forests of the wood so they are no longer forests. Who needs trees anyway? They’re only good for the birds. During this Lent, let us repent where we are really headed and work for a society that truly believes in the power of resurrection.
Prayer for the Day
Holy Creator, your Spirit stirred over the waters of chaos,
And brought forth light enabling us to see;
Bathe us with your Spirit cleansing us of our iniquity
So we learn to live in harmony and peace with others.
Reveal to us in this Lenten Season the power of simple things
And the power of love and care above all
In the name of the One who opens us to that power,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Despite global climate commitments, a small group of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers are significantly increasing production and emissions. The research highlights the disproportionate impact these companies have on the climate crisis and supports efforts to enforce corporate responsibility.
Emmet Connaire, researcher InfluenceMap
These efforts revealed that oil and gas operations were releasing far more methane than previously estimated. Emissions in the U.S. have continued to rise. Worldwide, methane concentrations in the atmosphere hit a record high in 2023.
Claire Brown, in The New York Times “Climate Forward” Report
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
Isaiah 58: 6