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Justice in Energy Access

LentEnergy, Sustainability and Fuel JusticeWeek 16 · Day 3

Scripture References

Read First

Old Testament

Isaiah 58:6-11

6 “Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

7 Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?

8 Then your light will break out as the morning, and your healing will appear quickly; then your righteousness shall go before you, and the LORD’s glory will be your rear guard.

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9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away from amongst you the yoke, finger pointing, and speaking wickedly;

10 and if you pour out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise in darkness, and your obscurity will be as the noonday;

11 and the LORD will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in dry places, and make your bones strong. You will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters don’t fail.

New Testament

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.

15 Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.

16 Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Thought for the Day

Isaiah refuses a spirituality that does not touch bread and burden. The fast God chooses loosens bonds, undoes heavy loads, and shares food with the hungry; it brings the homeless poor into the house. Then comes the promise: light breaking like dawn, healing springing up, guidance in dry places.

Jesus calls his disciples “the light of the world.” Light is not for private display, nor for self-congratulation. It is for the whole house: good works that do not point to our virtue, but to the Father’s generosity.

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Energy access, in a cold climate, is not a luxury. It is warmth, health, dignity, and the ability to live without constant anxiety. If a neighbour must choose between heating and eating, and would come to the Lord’s Table beside us as brother or sister, then our public life has failed to treat kin as kin.

Lord, make your people bright with mercy. Teach us to notice those who are hungry and cold, and to do good that is concrete. Give wisdom to institutions and neighbours alike, so that help is timely and honouring. Let our light be gentle, not performative: a steady witness that the kingdom comes near to those who are most easily overlooked.

Prayer Points

Respond
  • Lord, provide for those who are hungry or cold; give timely help and stable provision
  • Give wisdom to those shaping energy access and support; let justice and mercy guide decisions
  • Protect the vulnerable from exploitation and avoidable hardship; let burdens be undone rather than shifted
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  • Teach the Church to be light through concrete love: meals shared, homes warmed, neighbours visited
  • Forgive us where we overlook need; renew our attention and our compassion
  • Let good works point to your Fatherly care; and keep our light gentle and truthful
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