Participate!

Detail of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam

I want to roll my eyes as some people complain. I hear their words. They paint pictures of an angry boss, a dismissive friend, a cramp in their side. “I’m sorry,” I say, but I’m really not. I’m angry! Such focus on what is so small smears what is crushing us! Can we not gather the courage to see, to ascertain, to pray, and to act?

And what is that we must see? Lies! Lies abound! As long as we cry we’re the greatest country, we don’t have to look at our Black brothers and sisters crushed by the system we call so great. As long as we lift up the ideal of the family, we don’t have to look at the abuse occurring in over 30% of families. As long as we think God’s compassion covers us, we don’t have to see the influence each of us could be pedaling by participating with God in God’s work of changing us!

Kids are trafficked by our addiction to sex and control. Families are crushed by our addictions and idolatry of money. Religion is compromised by greed, self-righteousness, sexism, and fear.

We can damn well tolerate an angry boss, a dismissive friend, and a pain in our side. Let’s be the heroes God is expecting us to make use of God’s grace to be!

Reflection

What small thing can you do to help combat racism, sexism, ignorance, addiction, poverty?

Prayer

Okay, God, I’m ready. Even though I’m still trying to heal from my wounds, I’m ready to accept the invitation You are offering me to participate in the flow of Your grace. I don’t want to miss putting my hand into Yours. I want to be a part of this Kingdom-coming. Give me wisdom, Lord. Show me how!