Most of us, truth be told, do not think of the Lord as king. At least, we don’t think of the Lord in images of the royalty of countries here on earth. If we do, we are missing the point of the good news.

The psalms were Jesus’ prayer book, which is why he quotes them in times of distress. As we make our way toward the Transfiguration, we are walking with Jesus, who prayed the psalms. His reign of love leads to justice and abundance of life.

I am led to remember John Lewis, whose skull was fractured at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, as he marched for voting rights. I am led to remember all who have marched chanting, “Black Lives Matter!” I am led to remember my friend Olga Samples Davis, an African American poet here in San Antonio, who said to me, “Marching is fine. Now Jesus is telling us to make justice the king.”

When we, both as persons and as communities, begin to notice inequity, a transformation is taking place. When we listen to the stories of immigrants, people of color, women and children who have been abused, we cannot un-hear them. The mercy and compassion of Jesus spring forth when we seek the justice and equity established in the beginning by God.

Imagine that. Imagine if this country, this community of nations, and this planet were places where all were given the respect due their sacred humanity. Imagine a planet transfigured by equity and compassion. Let that holy possibility take hold of your whole being, body and soul.

And then, today and throughout the coming season of Lent, ask God to show you what offering for the sake of justice you might make—not out of inflated heroics but out of that deep desire to embody the life-giving Spirit.