Posted by The WORD in other words (2019) by Fr Alex Muana SVD – South Africa
In today‘s Gospel, Jesus calls us to announce the Good News with three particular messages. First, we are all healed and saved in him. Second, all are created in God‘s image. Third, all are entitled to freedom, respect, food, shelter, clothing, work, mutual support and participation in governing civil society.
Sharing the Good News, then, cannot be separated from doing work for justice. To be ignorant about political issues or to neglect one’s responsibility to vote is to support corrupt political systems. Due to our inaction, we are tolerating injustice.
If we pay bribes, we support the bribery system. If we only offer charity, we are not looking at the root causes of people’s needs. We become partly responsible for their situation. It is important to address root causes to help them effectively.
Jesus, the divine system-changer, has commissioned us through our baptism. We must further the reflection of God‘s kingdom of love and mercy in our world. This is achieved by attacking the roots of injustice.
In small Christian communities, we can reflect together. We also have the opportunity to support one another in the ministry of social justice. Each community is called to look around and identify specific unjust situations. It should probe deeper to discover their root causes.
This needs patience. It is time and energy well spent. This effort brings the problem into focus. Then, appropriate action may be planned.
The community must thoroughly observe all the aspects of the problem and its causes. Afterward, it must turn to the Scriptures to pray and reflect. They should listen to the judgment of God‘s Word on the situation.
Looking at the problem with the eyes of faith will help people. This perspective allows them to see the way forward to address the unjust situation.
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