Jacson da Rosa, National Donor Relations Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity El Salvador, shared our third Lent Devotion, reflects on the importance of home and how we can all play a part.
Isaiah’s prophecy is very clear: God, who has always been the savior, has saved the people. With Him, the people came out of slavery, and the desert became passable. Through Him, we are able to choose and have life; we have His strength to overcome challenges and obstacles.
God’s action is not only in the past. We do not believe in Him only because of the wonders He did centuries ago. God is very present in our lives, and in the act of remembering the Resurrection, we celebrate a forever future — eternal life offered to us in Jesus. In this new world that God has promised, there will be no trace of slavery. Instead, Jesus Christ brings us full freedom. His salvation is offered with grace and goodness for life in His kingdom.
Since I began working with Habitat El Salvador in 2016, I have visited countless communities and families, and I have seen the change brought about by adequate housing. Not all families are interested in making shelter improvements at first. They do not see housing as their priority, even though they are living in poor conditions. However, as a house begins to take shape and volunteers come to support the construction, everything changes. It is there I see that God is not only present in the past, but also in the future. On those occasions, I see that Isaiah’s prophecy is still relevant — that using many hands, God works to free his people.
As members of an organization founded on Christian principles, we are invited during this time of Lent to seek out this salvific action, hand in hand with God, looking to the future. In this new era that God prepares for us, everyone will have a place to call home, and social gaps will be no more. Followers of Jesus have a deep understanding of the power of hope, and this time of Lent encourages us to always hope for a new era.
Prayer
Loving God, during this season, enlighten us to the path of hope as we remember how You saved us from slavery. We trust You to continue leading us to this new era of joy and sharing. We eagerly await a new era of hope where our voices will be heard. We faithfully await the Resurrection, remembering the One who died for our sins so that we may all be free. We trust in You. Stay with us now and forever. Amen.
Questions
