Daily Bible Readings - June 18, 2012

FIGHT INJUSTICE WITH LOVE

 

“If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.” – Matthew 5:40

 

In Jesus’ time, when a man loaned something from his neighbor, he would have to give his tunic as collateral. But the tunic would have to be given back to him at night so that he wouldn’t freeze in the cold. Oftentimes, the tunic was not returned. In order to fight this injustice, Jesus suggests that the borrower give his cloak as well in order to shame the lender into realizing his unjust act. Jesus was teaching the people to fight injustice with loving acts.

Nelson Mandela, an opposition leader in South Africa in the 1960s, was imprisoned and persecuted by the majority white government for his fight against apartheid — the political and economic separation of blacks and whites. But when he was released 27 years later, he was the first to reach out his hand to reconcile with his persecutors and actively worked for a coalition government between blacks and whites. He eventually became the first black president of South Africa.

The love we show in the midst of our persecutions can bring about the change we need in our society. Jay Catral (jaycatral@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Are you being persecuted? What act of love can you do in order to point out the injustice?

 

Lord, we pray for the wisdom to show Your love and justice. Amen.

 

Venerable Matt Talbot, pray for us.