The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Attende Domine: 'Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against you.' As you sit here and listen to this ancient chant, which has been sung for generations, pause to remind yourself that God is present here, a God of forgiveness, gracious and loving, slow to anger, abounding in goodness. Take this moment to recognise God’s presence here, and to place yourself and all your cares in God’s loving hands.

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 1:10

Hear the word of the Lord,

you rulers of Sodom!

Listen to the teaching of our God,

you people of Gomorrah!

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;

remove the evil of your doings

from before my eyes;

cease to do evil,

learn to do good;

seek justice,

rescue the oppressed,

defend the orphan,

plead for the widow.

Come now, let us argue it out,

says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be like snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

If you are willing and obedient,

you shall eat the good of the land;

but if you refuse and rebel,

you shall be devoured by the sword;

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Imagine how would it feel to see Isaiah standing there in Jerusalem. The people of the holy city being compared to the ancient wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah... Enough to get your attention? Your outrage?

Now hear God speaking directly to you. This is not rejection but God seeking reconciliation. “Wash yourselves. Make yourselves clean.” Where do you feel resistance? Where do you feel a response?

‘Come now’ – this is an invitation – become people of justice. This is a God who invites conversation, who believes change is possible. Are you willing?

As you listen to the passage again, consider what might God make new in you this Lent 'if you are willing and obedient'?

Isaiah 1:10

Hear the word of the Lord,

you rulers of Sodom!

Listen to the teaching of our God,

you people of Gomorrah!

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;

remove the evil of your doings

from before my eyes;

cease to do evil,

learn to do good;

seek justice,

rescue the oppressed,

defend the orphan,

plead for the widow.

Come now, let us argue it out,

says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be like snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

If you are willing and obedient,

you shall eat the good of the land;

but if you refuse and rebel,

you shall be devoured by the sword;

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow.”

As this time of prayer draws to a close, share with the Lord your willingness to hear his word.

You have given all to me

To you, Lord, I return it

Everything is Yours

Do with it what You will

Give me only Your love and Your grace

That is enough for me

Amen