Not Home. Come Home.

2025 Lenten Reflections

The Walls We Cannot See

Home, Coming

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

Isaiah 58:6-7

Illustration by Eunice Sunmie Derksen

Throughout Lent, we have explored the theme “Not Home. Come Home.”—reflecting on what it means to long for home, both physically and spiritually. Now, as we enter Holy Week, we hold this tension in light of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words: “Houses are made of walls and beams; homes are made of love and dreams.” We use Emerson’s quote as a poetic framework because its powerful words — walls, beams, love, and dreams — capture the deep needs of vulnerable populations, highlighting both the physical necessities of safety, nourishment, and rest, and the profound longing and need for belonging, dignity, agency, and hope.

The journey of Jesus through His passion, death, and resurrection reveals that true “home”  is not just a structure, but a place of being known, named, and loved. For the vulnerable — those without shelter, security, or welcome — home is a fragile hope. And yet, in Christ, we see that home is more than a place — it is a vow of love. This week, we will walk with Jesus through the suffering of the world and the walls that divide, toward the love that builds something beyond mere walls and beams — a kingdom where all are invited to their truest HOME.

Review

This Lent we have considered what home looks like and what it does not look like in our world today. HOME is coming but it is not yet here. If you missed a week, we encourage you to take the time before Easter to go back and think through the different ways in which Jesus enters in to our deepest frailties and brings life to even the darkest days.

Each week of Lent we considered a different vulnerability faced by those Jesus loves, and learned how he invites each of his beloved into flourishing and "home." Each day of the week we put on a different "lens" to consider the theme. On Mondays, we took a Biblical and Theological approach. On Tuesdays, we leaned in and learned about the actual realities of those who are suffering. On Wednesdays, we looked to how the saints, or "contemplative activists" as we call them, lived in relation to that particular vulnerability. On Thursdays, we learned from "Anglicans on the Streets" who are currently serving as the hands and feet of Jesus among the poor and marginalized. And finally on Fridays, we turned to God in prayer.

We encourage you to click back through the different week's worth of reflections and continue learning and growing together as we enter into this Holy Week.

Red Sofa by David Savinar

Shelter for the Vulnerable (At-Risk Youth)

Rest for the Restless (Prisoners)

Table for the Hungry (Food Insecurity)

Welcome for the Stranger (Migrants)

Bed for the Weary (Elderly, Sick, and Dying)

Connect with US

A big part of what M25i does is pray for you, learn from you, and connect with you. We regularly host virtual events with practitioners who "get it" with the goal of equipping and sustaining each other in this work. We look forward to hearing from you!

Your gift to M25i isn’t just a donation — it’s a chance to partner in God’s work of healing, restoration, and transformation.

The example of Jesus is one of sacrifice and generosity. He was the ultimate Welcomer of all who needed a home. We want to see more and more people on the margins hear this message and find their way to the truest Home we’re offered in Christ.

Funding we receive this Lent will go towards creating pathways for churches and small ministries to launch new initiatives to walk alongside the vulnerable and marginalized. 

Would you consider helping us reach our goal of $50,000?