Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6Dear OEF Siblings,
Thank you to those who submitted art, poetry, and prose reflecting on our commitment to continue the conversation on anti-white supremacy and anti-racism for our Lenten Reflections. We will supplement the reflections with those from other sources to fill in the remaining days. The submissions are still trickling in, so if you’d like to submit a piece of art or poetry or write a reflection to continue the conversation through the 40 days of Lent, please do.
I’d like to make a note that the questions submitted were suggestions and not every question was to be applicable to each person within the Order. The questions came from a multi-ethnic working group on anti-white supremacy. Many of the questions were clearly written for those who identify as white. Whiteness, and the predominant whiteness of our Order, has been a topic we have discussed as something to address within the Order, as well as the need for our white siblings to work out their privilege and struggle with racism without depending on others to do the work for us. That being said, I would like to acknowledge that a couple of our siblings that do not identify as white were offended by some of these questions. We apologize. Part of this work is to continue to stumble towards finding wholeness and restoration, knowing that this work is never complete this side of eternity. We reaffirm our commitment to this work and acknowledge where we fall short.
May the above words from the prophet Isaiah carry us through our Lenten fast.
May you be blessed with a Holy Lent,
Sr. Magdalena and the Servant Council