He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
[Excerpted from “Christ’s Mission Is Our Mission” by Peter Judd, Herald Publishing House, 2012, pp. 101–102]
At its core, the “year of the Lord’s favor” or the “acceptable year of the Lord” is a condition of human relationships characterized by equity, justice, and affirmation of each individual’s worth. Yet many of the world’s population live in unjust circumstances, barely surviving on a meager share of the world’s abundance. Freeing the economically oppressed, bringing good news to those in poverty, and releasing those captive to unjust systems requires the willing participation of the rest of the world. Those of us who have more than our fair share of God’s bounty must give up some of what we enjoy for the benefit of those who seek to claim God’s promises.
In her writings, global activist Lynne Twist has invited attention to what she called the notion of sufficiency. Rather than constantly approaching issues and decisions from a scarcity (“I never have enough”) mentality, she suggested “that we start noticing, taking responsibility for creating a context of sufficiency, wholeness, completeness, integrity.” She continued, “If we let go of what we’re trying to get more of, which we don’t really need, it frees up reserves of vitality to make a difference with what we have. When you make a difference with what you have, it expands.”
The kind of sufficiency mentality Lynne Twist talked about can serve as the basis for a form of human generosity that mirrors God’s generosity. This is at the core of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity. When we don’t spend all our time, money, and other resources pursuing the “abundant life,” we can spend ourselves in partnership with God making the kingdom a reality.
The term “acceptable year of the Lord” reminds us of the urgency of doing all we can to make God’s world of justice and equity prevail. This is the kind of life and relationships that are acceptable to God. Anything that contradicts a life of worth and dignity for all is not acceptable to God. So it should not be acceptable to us either. Whenever we pursue our own interests at the expense of others, we are behaving in a way that is unacceptable to God. We are blocking the realization of the kingdom, the Zion that is a promise found in the Community of Christ tradition.
Prayer Phrase
“And all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Abundant Blessings
At the close of the day, reflect on where you noticed God’s blessings, especially in unexpected places. Offer a prayer of thanks and try to release any worry, trusting that God’s abundance will meet you again tomorrow.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
