This Lent 2026, we’re launching a new resource which invites churches, communities, and individuals to learn more about the cycle of poverty and disability, reflect on the injustice of avoidable blindness, and to share our vision of a just world where all people enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.
Lent 2026: ‘Loose the chains of injustice’
Posted on:
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
How should we fast?
The resource features stories of our work, a short Bible study and more information about how together we can build a more equitable world. Focussing on Isaiah 58, we are encouraging supporters and churches to reflect on the nature of fasting during lent:
‘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?’ – Isaiah 58:6
This fast asks us to abstain not necessarily from food or drink, but from indifference and selfishness in a world where people with disabilities face the injustices of poverty, hunger, and oppression. The season of Lent gives us a particular opportunity to consider how we might respond to God’s instruction to fast in this way.
Batwel’s story
You could also explore the story of Batwel who found himself unable to work, care for his family, or preach due to cataracts:
“Before I lost my vision, I was able to preach at church, farm easily and lead the people… Now I can’t do things by myself, I have to rely on my children for everything. It has turned my life upside-down.”
Batwel was able to access free cataract surgery at CBM’s partner Nkhoma District Hospital in Malawi. This was transformative – restoring not only his sight, but his confidence, joy and independence.
We know that 75% of the world’s blindness is avoidable. Like Batwel, there are millions that could have their sight restored if they had access to the right healthcare. How can we challenge the injustice of avoidable blindness and work towards a world where nobody is left behind?
God of justice, you have called us to fast from injustice, and to untie the cords of the yolk. This Lent, renew our commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and disability, and sustain our hope for a world in which nobody is blind just because they are poor.
Photo: ©CBM UK/Daniel Hayduk
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