"Hard and Holy Work" (Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Tyler D. Mayfield)

TITLE: Hard and Holy Work: A Lenten Journey through the Book of Exodus
AUTHOR: Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Tyler D. Mayfield
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024, (122 pages).
 

Traditionally, devotionals on Lent tend to focus on self-reflection and quiet meditation. While it is a good spiritual practice to be mindful of the meaning of Lent, sometimes it can be accused of being impractical in a world of trouble and despair. Is there more to simply fasting and praying? Can we adopt practices that will lead us toward betterment for the common good? How can Christians observe Lent without forgetting that although they are not of the world, they are in the world? This book was inspired by the life of the Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, who found himself smack in the middle of Fourth and Walnut in Louisville, Kentucky, to be awakened to the needs of the world, and what God is prompting one to do: Paying attention and awakened to work toward justice. Using the book of Exodus, the authors highlight themes of liberation, justice, faithfulness, storytelling, and attentiveness to the marginalized. Useful for individual and group studies, each week contains stories from the Exodus narrative and ends with invitations to reflect, engage, and respond. These three invitations are summarized as "Paying Attention," "Sharing Together," and "Taking Action." 
Week One begins with a call to pay attention to the hidden members of our communities. From the way women were marginalized in ancient times, we are encouraged to learn to listen to those not in power. Mary Alice shares her deep experiences of being a victim of sexism. It brings comfort to know that God understands even when the world does not. Week Two helps us to reflect on Moses's action toward injustice when he witnessed a fellow Jew being bullied by the Egyptians. We think about the issues related to rights and privileges.  We are encouraged to do a "privilege audit" to identify with the have-nots even as we enjoy our haves. Week Three covers Exodus chapters 3 and 4 to help us notice God's presence more intently. We learn how to encounter God in both religious and non-religious settings. Week Four focuses on Exodus 14 about the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Battle fears and not simply wallow in any state of despair. Using the metaphor of crossing the Red Sea, we are challenged to see how God can deliver us from our difficult moments in life. Perhaps, we are called to be the Moses for whatever specific communities we know. Week Five covers Exodus 16 where we look at themes of rest, sabbath, and the balance between waiting and call to action. Palm Sunday and Holy Week takes us through the events leading to Easter. At the same time, we are called to take courage to do the right thing.

My Thoughts
This book of Lenten reflections is a call to battle all forms of discrimination, especially on racism, sexism, and gender-related matters. Lent is not simply a time to look inward. It is a call to action as well. Both spiritual awakening and social action are asserted together. This makes this book unique. The title shows us what we ought to be doing. Holy work and Hard work go hand in hand. Lent is not simply a retreat from the world. It is an increase of attentiveness to what God is doing inside us and outside in the communities we live in.

One word of caution though. The human nature is one of restlessness. It could be said that while the authors urge us to use Lent as both reflective and active, be careful not to miss out on one of the most important parts of Lent, which is self-examination and spiritual attentiveness to the ways of Jesus. A counter-argument would be this. Christians are already called to live out their gospel calling daily throughout the year. They are supposed to be both reflective and active throughout the days of the year. If we make Lent both reflective and active just like the other days of the year, would that not nullify what Lent is about? Will we then lose the uniqueness of Lent? This calls for a proper understanding of what Lent is about. Fasting, pausing, reflecting, and attending to the movements of the Spirit are supposed to be heightened practices during Lent. This should not be compromised. Perhaps, a balanced approach would help. Start with the inward practices but always be ready for what the Spirit is calling us to do. 

Self-awareness is key to knowing what is the best way to practice Lent. The introvert might want to incorporate a more active element in their Lent observance. The extrovert might want to pause to reflect a little bit more. If in doubt, join a group to share our thoughts, reflections, and questions. This book provides us material through Exodus toward both reflection and action. They are there for our benefit. Let our desire to please God drive us. 

Mary Alice Birdwhistell is the pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to coming to Highland, Birdwhistell served on ministerial staff at Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, for eleven years. She received an MDiv from Baylor University in 2013.

Tyler D. Mayfield is A. B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament and Faculty Director of the Grawemeyer Award in Religion at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is the author of Literary Structure and Setting in Ezekiel; A Guide to Bible Basics; Unto Us a Child Is Born: Isaiah, Advent, and Our Jewish Neighbors; and Father Abraham’s Many Children: The Bible in a World of Religious Difference.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.