First Friday in Lent

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

in moments when we tremble
with worry and our nights hum
with the uncertainty of tomorrow—
we rejoice in that quiet courage
you plant deep in ordinary hearts
when we walk down crumbling sidewalks
to sit beside the forgotten
in the shadows of dimming justice—
we rejoice for that grace-shaped song
you teach to weary lungs, reminding us
that hope still has a heartbeat.
when the influencers walk red carpets
woven from bitcoins and idolatry,
when the wealthy want bigger developments
and an end to discussion of affordable housing—
we rejoice that you do not step away
but choose them impenetrable days
to be where love is made incarnate
once again.
where brokenness is mended
by the gentle touch of a stranger,
where sorrow is given respite
through the laughter of children,
in that promise you made
from the beginning that we
will always be held in your heart,
we rejoice that you are as close
to us as the breath we take,
that we are becoming evidence
that your Beloved Community
is still unfolding in our midst—
and our rejoicing
becomes our resistance.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman