Embracing Lent in the United States (2025_

Resist evil! Learn to do good! Make justice your aim. Defend the oppressed. (Isaiah 1:17)

As the Christian season of Lent begins, I find myself drawn to the words of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah. It’s important to remember the context of Isaiah’s original words. The Jewish homeland was divided into two realms: Judah and Israel. Both were known for having corrupt governments that oppressed their own citizens. Isaiah’s writing serves as a call to action, using a structure common in persuasive argumentation: introduce the main points, then elaborate on them. In verse 17, Isaiah outlines key principles for living under a corrupt government.

Resist evil.
I am overwhelmed by the state of the world, particularly in the United States under the Trump regime. The reduction of international aid has led to widespread starvation and premature death. The firing of federal workers is making travel increasingly unsafe, contributing to the spread of disease, and accelerating the destruction of our planet. Geo-political realignment is estranging long-standing allies while elevating tyrants. Many people are watching as their retirement investments dwindle due to dramatic drops in the stock market, all while grocery prices continue to rise. Yes, it’s systemic, callous evil. But what does it mean to resist such forces, which seem greater than any one of us? At times, it feels as though we are all victims.

Learn to do good!
Whether or not we see ourselves as victims, we are called to do good. Perhaps we need to learn to do good in new ways. Some of us can donate money to noble causes. Others can volunteer to serve marginalized communities. But many of us are exhausted and overwhelmed. It’s crucial to remember that this is not a sprint but a marathon (or is it an Iron Man competition? I can’t tell!). We start by doing good in our everyday interactions. We do what we can, and then we build on it. Consider what it means to do good toward those around you today. And tomorrow, do a little more.

Make justice your aim.
The goal is to live with others—people, communities, and countries—in a way characterized by justice. Justice means treating people with dignity and fairness. It recognizes that, just as there is harmony in the cosmos, there is a balance that must be maintained among people. Justice is focused on sustaining right relationships, while injustice is driven by self-interest, seeking power, and prestige at the expense of others. Make justice your aim, your goal, your inspiration.

Defend the oppressed.
The oppressed are those made into second- and third-class citizens. Let’s be honest: In our current situation, most of us are oppressed. The question is the degree of oppression. Right now, immigrants, refugees, and trans individuals top the list. But seniors, facing the loss of investments and threats to Social Security and Medicare, are also oppressed. So are the poor, living with exorbitant housing costs and inadequate healthcare. The young, victims of substandard childcare and schools, also face oppression. The list goes on, and it’s overwhelming. Making justice your aim means defending the well-being of the oppressed, whoever they may be.

For me, as a follower of the teachings of Jesus, this Lent is not about giving up chocolate or eating meatless meals. Instead, the words of Isaiah stir my soul: Resist evil! Learn to do good! Make justice your aim. Defend the oppressed. The ancient prophet knew all too well the realities of corrupt government. His solution was to take action and do the right thing. His wisdom continues to inspire me—and perhaps it will inspire you as well.