Take a Stand for Justice

Take a Stand for Justice

By Fr. Timothy Warren

St Francis (ISM)

Protesting discriminatory actions and seeking justice for people who are terrorized by hatemongers is at the heart of Christ’s message. Jesus often showed anger when he witnessed injustice. Jesus condemned the powerful of his day for laying burdens on the people they, the leaders themselves, could not carry. In the Gospel accounts, Jesus calls out hypocrisy, injustice, and self-righteousness. He took a whip and chased the money changers out of the Temple because they were taking advantage of visitors who needed to convert their Roman coinage into temple coins. He called the religious leaders of his day “whitewashed tombs.” He referred to King Herod as a fox. Jesus was not a doormat, nor was he what is currently termed a snowflake. He was a champion for the oppressed and the dispossessed.

We are called to be no less than who Jesus was, so let's jettison the notion that Christians cannot be socially active, take to the streets in protest, and speak firmly about injustice in all its forms. It is time for the Church to take a firm stand for social justice. Christians must condemn Islamophobia and Christian nationalism in all its forms. Christians should be angered when a white person falsely accuses a black person of being up to no good. They must also condemn homophobia, sexism, and all forms of racism and bigotry. Christians should become frustrated with those who don't have the courage to take a public stand for justice and righteousness but sit safely at home and talk about love and forgiveness from the comfort of their armchairs. Christians should never defend or excuse the immoral behavior of religious leaders in the name of spiritual obedience and Church unity.

We are called to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and fight injustice in all its forms. That's a tall order that takes courage and it will offend people. Make someone mad by proclaiming the truth. Offend someone for the sake of justice and truth. Don't be afraid to rock the boat. It's time for the Church to find its purpose in this world again and take the lead. Jesus said if we want to be his disciples, we must take up our cross and follow him. The way of the cross is no easy pathway, but it is the only way we can create a just society that respects the dignity of every person.

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