Repairers of the Breach
April 9, 2023
Kintsugi, the 15th-century Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the broken areas with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold or other precious metal, reminds us that when repaired, formerly broken places reveal new lines of character and beauty.
But what of God’s world? The world God entrusted to our care? So many parts are broken, damaged by cruelty to each other, misuse of Creation or refusal to take God’s commands seriously.
In Isaiah 58, the prophet reminds us, “You shall be called repairers of the breach.” Repairers. And as we question the breaches that may have resulted from our own actions, we ponder how to repair them, creating something unique, beautiful and resilient. Which ones get attention first? How can we repair a breach that may have existed for decades or one that has only recently emerged? Where can we work for repair to reveal beautiful new veins of gold?
Your support of One Great Hour of Sharing provides a way for those whose lives have been affected by poverty, hunger or disaster — whether natural or human-caused — to begin to repair the lives of their families and communities. It provides a way for the least of these, more often than not women and children, to become those veins of gold, binding their families and communities together in strength.
In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God repaired the breach that separated us from our creator, performing a kintsugi of sorts upon us — putting the broken pieces of our lives back together while lining our broken places with the gold of God’s grace. As we follow Jesus’ example, walking alongside the most vulnerable to partner in repairing the harm inflicted upon them, we celebrate that we are the Church … together.
Ruling Elder William McConnell, D.M.A., CFRE, Director of Foundation Services and Church Relations – Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, April 9, 2023, the Resurrection of the Lord (Easter Day) (Year A)
- Easter Day Readings:
- First Reading Acts 10:34-43
- Or alternate First Reading Jeremiah 31:1-6
- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
- Second Reading Colossians 3:1-4
- Or alternate Second Reading Acts 10:34-43
- Gospel John 20:1-18
- Or alternate Gospel Matthew 28:1-10
- Easter Evening Readings:
- First Reading 2 Isaiah 25:6-9
- Psalm 2 Psalm 114:1-8
- Second Reading 2 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
- Gospel 2 Luke 24:13-49
Today’s Focus: Easter/One Great Hour of Sharing
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Mark Adams and Miriam Maldonado, Mission co-workers serving on the Mexico/US Border, World Mission, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Rachael Adams, Customer Service Representative, Presbyterian Distribution Service, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Let us pray
Restoring God, in Jesus, you have given us the ultimate example of repairing the hurts that divide us. May our gifts and our prayers join with the most vulnerable among us to restore your people and your world. Amen.