In ancient cities, walls were so important and vital to the safety of the inhabitants of the city. They were protection from armies and robbers who could plunder a community. They were a protection for the people who were seeking security. Think of a homeless person who today sleeps outside, today. I can not imagine how scary that might be, but in the time of Isaiah walls were so important that a breach in the wall was a serious life threatening situation. In times of trouble the people in the countryside would move into the walled city for protection from any danger. This was true even into medieval times.
“Repairer of the breach, they shall call you, Restorer of ruined homesteads.” Isaiah 58:12
When there was a breach in the wall that was trouble and if you restored it, then you were a hero. The breach needed to be repaired or temporarily blocked off until a permanent repair was made. As we begin the first Saturday of the Holy season of Lent, it is time to repair and restore our relationship to God. Any relationship needs restoration at times, such as the relationship between a husband and wife, friends or business associates. The readings suggest we rebuild starting with our speech. Words do matter and Isaiah speaks of malicious speech. As it happens I am guilty of this offense. The other day I spoke rudely to my wife. She had left her purse at a store and even thought it was late at night and I was dog tired.I went back to the store that night and retrieved the purse. By the time I returned home it was all over and my ill mood was gone. I had forgotten about the whole incident but the next day my wife remembered my outburst the night before and apologized. I felt bad for loosing my temper and I apologized for my behavior because my words had hurt her. Restoration with words. Sometimes we say things that hurt others and while we don’t mean the hurt.
“If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday. Then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land.” Isaiah 58: 9-11
We don’t need walls today in our cities for protection, we need relationships and the most important one we can make is with our God. One of the precepts of the Church is once going to confession and communion during Easter time but that is a bare minimum. What God is looking for is a relationship and a dependence on Him for everything we have and are. Even a parking place close to the door is a concern to God. Jesus knew we would have problems and that is why Jesus said to us in the Gospel.
“Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners”. Luke 5: 31-32
In conclusion, God is looking for repentance, but also looking to restore the relationship we have with Him. That relationship also has to do with the words we use with others and our actions. Most people don’t know their neighbors today. We all need to make an effort, even if it is just a wave or a kind word. During Lent God wants us to do not only the minimum but also wants us to repair the other relationships in our lives. You know the ones. When you repair relationships you are repairing the walls of that relationship. The boss who is an ogre . The brother or sister or other family member who has hurt you. Repair the walls of those relationships and your relationship with God will also improve and that in the end is the most lasting relationship .
God Bless
Bob Burford
Prayer: That we will restore the holes in our lives( walls ) by restoring all broken relationships including the most important one and that is with God. Take time today and ask God what you need to do to improve your relationship with Him.
