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Look Inward to Find the Way Upward
Lent is a period of reflection and introspection; a time to renew our faith by heeding Jesus’ call to care for one another. But this year, in the midst of an economic meltdown that threatens the prosperity of the fortunate and jeopardizes the very survival of those who are less so, it is especially important that we examine whether we are putting our faith and shared values into action.
We should ask again what our responsibility is to our fellow human beings who lack the creature comforts and opportunities that we too often take for granted. Obviously, in good times, it is relatively easy to fulfill this central obligation of our faith. But it is in hard times that our dedication to doing the right thing is tested.
In many ways, the times require that we take a new look at our priorities. What do we truly need, and what can we do without? When we must sacrifice, do we do less for ourselves or less for others?
There are ways that we can seek to achieve a modern-day equivalent to the parable of the loaves and fishes — creating abundance out of scarcity, the ultimate win-win solution.
At Episcopal Relief & Development, we focus relentlessly on this approach by always asking “What kind of impact will our programs have?” We give top priority to efforts that reach the greatest number of people in the most transformative way, that are sustainable, and that operate at the lowest possible cost. We are successful because we maximize our resources by taking advantage of the ready-made grassroots infrastructure that the Worldwide Church provides. Perhaps even more importantly, we always seek to empower the beneficiaries of our work with tools they can use to improve their lives today, and for the months and years to come.
For all of us, the question is, how can we have the greatest impact with our limited resources? I hope you continue to believe that even in hard economic times, donating to Episcopal Relief & Development is an important way to put your spiritual priorities into action — and the most efficient way of creating abundance out of scarcity. During this time of reflection, this issue of ERD Now offers you illustrations of our work around the world. I wish you an inspiring, invigorating season of reflection and renewal this Lent, and I thank you for all you are doing to heal a hurting world.
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