World Day of Social Justice
Kris Judd of Des Moines, IA, USA
Therefore they gave thanks to the Lord their God; and they fasted much and prayed much, and they worshiped God with exceedingly great joy. -Alma 21:2
Little did we know in January 2020 the challenge and invitation of the church’s guiding question, “Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?” Last year at this time, my response was, “Of course.” My stable, relatively serene life offered me much time for prayer, reflection, and good deeds; and I tend to be conflict avoidant with family, friends, and strangers. I’m a good person. I try to be peaceful.
And yet, the past year offered me daily invitations to a wrestling match with Jesus, the peaceful One. The tension between a contemplative life and the fight for justice led me to challenging conversations and uncomfortable relationships. I addressed misinformation and disinformation and received responses from people I barely know that offended, angered, and wounded me. I felt very unsure of how to respond with honesty and integrity. Surely Jesus, the peaceful One, would not be so angry, so outraged by what was happening socially, racially, economically, and politically. Jesus proclaimed and lived the way of peace, but can there be peace without justice? And can we address injustice while remaining peaceful?
Wise men and women from our Christian tradition as well as from others have addressed this very real tension through prayer practices that include, among others, centering prayer, meditation, and silence. These practices offer a graceful exit for the righteously indignant ego, allowing it to step away for a bit, and to gain a glimpse of God’s perspective. My experience in such practices leads to a softened and compassionate heart, for both the oppressed and oppressors, for the just and unjust, for those on one side of the argument as well as the other. The injustices still need to be addressed, but responses are no longer from indignation, but from connectedness. It truly is an inward/outward journey.
Sadly, in 2021 the injustices will continue to occur as will the wrestling match with and for Jesus. But we’ve been invited into postures, attitudes, and practices that expand our capacity to live with the tension of being peace-full in peace-less times.
I am grateful that the question remains, “Are we moving closer to Jesus, the peaceful One?” and not, “Have we arrived?”
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Gospel Contemplation (Matthew 4:1-11)
Each week during Lent, you are invited to pray with a different gospel story from the life of Christ. Use your senses and imagination to enter the text. Allow it to come to life in you, observing details, noticing interactions, even engaging in dialogue. Notice where you find yourself in the story and how you feel about what is happening. Notice what it evokes in you or invites of you. Take time to journal or enter silent prayer to reflect on your experience and to sense where the Spirit may be leading you through this scriptural encounter.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
