"The cross on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is not a victory mark. It is a cold and it's a broken hallelujah. Because ours is a faith that resists triumphalism, resists any attempt to downplay or spiritualize suffering. Our hallelujahs and our hope are always rooted in the truth of suffering, not its erasure. And this is good news, that we are not part of a victory march. We are part of a beloved community, arm in arm, praying, loving, serving, rejoicing, weeping, forgiving, seeking justice, helping each other walk the mile and bear the load on our group walk to Golgotha and into new life."

How have you experienced a cold and broken hallelujah in your life?

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Joel 2:12-13
Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Lynn Casteel Harper. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear, Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley, and Downwind by Lincoln Davis.

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