Jesus responds to complaints that he associates with sinners by telling the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. (Luke 15)
(Another video posted by OYATE)
Christ, you are the Good Shepherd. Your sheep hear your voice and follow you. May we be wise leaders of the next generation, leading by example and showing them what it means to recognize you and to serve others as inspired by you.
Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet. The invited guests decline to come, so instead the poor and the outcast are welcomed to the party. (Luke 14: 23, 24)
(Video created by the Mitakupi Foundation about the teen suicide crisis on Pine Ridge)
Christ, our hearts break for the young people who feel there is nothing for them -- no future, no hope, no options. You who broke free of the grave, show them the path that leads to life.
Jesus' enemies threaten that Herod is after him. Jesus doesn't fall for their trick; he continues the journey even knowing that traditionally, prophets are killed in Jerusalem. (Luke 13: 31-35)
(Second clip from the video Pine Ridge: Beauty and Despair)
Christ, transform the power of shame and turn it into the power to speak up for ourselves and others.
Jesus encourages his disciples to act on their knowledge. They know the ethical choice is to put the needs of others ahead of their own desires; now they must live out their lives in a manner consistent with that knowledge. (Luke 12: 41-59)
Christ of the Sacred Heart, you offer us wholeness, wholesomeness, fullness of life. Help us to reject anything less.
Jesus instructs his disciples to give generously. God has generously given to them, so they should generously give to others. (Luke 12: 22-40)
(Main street of Whiteclay, Nebraska)
Christ, so much misery walks this street. So many have died on this street. So few seek to walk as you walk as they go down this street. Clean up this street, we beg you.
Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the corrupting influence of greed. (Luke 12: 15)
(Excerpt from the movie "The Battle for Whiteclay")
Christ, protect us from dishonorable merchants who put their profits ahead of people and the community. Change their hearts. Convict them of their sin.
Jesus exposes the corruption of the supposedly pious. In response, they plot against him.
(Luke 11: 37-54)
(Greg Dobbs describes the crisis in Whiteclay for the World Report show)
Christ, for the alcoholic, we pray for deliverance. For their victims, we pray for safety. For their suppliers, we pray for justice. Not our will, but your will be done.
Jesus defends his ministry after critics malign him. (Luke 11: 14-36)
(Interview with Mark Vasina, director of "The Battle for Whiteclay")
Christ, thank you for those who use their gifts and talents to help others. As empowered by your grace, we will extend ourselves to others and put our abilities into service for them.
Jesus gently rebukes Martha over her mixed-up priorities. (Luke 10: 38-42)
(Video of protesters confronting county sheriff)
Christ, guide us as we hold those in power accountable to the community. Give our leaders insight into what troubles us and creative solutions to the problems.
Jesus rebukes the towns that close their doors to him (Luke 10:13-16)
(Part I of a video created by students at Creighton Prep High School, Omaha, NE.)
Christ, you chose not to blunt the pain of your crucifixion. Unlike you, we have many ways of numbing ourselves and avoiding disturbance. Cut off our escape path if it causes us more harm than good.
For me, the season of Lent begins with the story of Jesus setting his face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). He did not look away from the cross that awaited him. He did not veer from a path lined with suffering and death.
This Lenten season, I am looking at the pain experienced by the residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation, and I am searching for signs of victory over the death grip that keeps them conquered, defeated, and discarded.
Frank LaMere wrote the reflection and narrates the video that is posted above. Mr. LaMere is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a staunch advocate for justice in Whiteclay.
Christ, thank you for joining us in our suffering. Give us the courage to follow you into places of sorrow as well as the wisdom to know what must be done to bring about healing.
