"Praise the Lord who executes justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets prisoners free, and upholds the cause of the marginalized." These words from Psalm 146 echo the clarion call that reverberates throughout scripture and history: we are to be agents of justice, inclusion, and compassion in a hurting world. As people of faith and conscience, we are beckoned to "pick up the mantle of ministry, to be disciples, to spread the good news, to love our neighbors, do justice, and act mercifully."
Yet the road of advocacy is often fraught with complex challenges and painful realities. Even well-intentioned efforts to create inclusive spaces can be met with suspicion, accusations, and attacks. In a climate of polarization and mistrust, the pursuit of equity and dignity for all can feel like an uphill battle, a Sisyphean task of endlessly pushing that giant heavy boulder up a mountain, only to watch it roll back down again.
But we must recognize this is more than just a noble cause or a political agenda - it is a sacred calling, a divine mandate flowing from our faith's very heart. The cries of the oppressed and marginalized are not distant echoes we can tune out but the anguished pleas of our fellow children of God, bearing the very image of the Divine. The biblical commands to uplift the least of these, to welcome the stranger, to defend the widow and the orphan - these are not optional suggestions, but the unequivocal charge of our shared spiritual heritage.
As Psalm 146 declares, the Lord "executes justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets the prisoners free." This is the God we worship, the God whose very nature is love, justice, and compassion for the marginalized. To truly be people of faith is to embody these same values in thought, word, and deed. It is to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of their status or circumstances. It is to leverage our privilege and platform to amplify the voices of the voiceless and the causes of the oppressed.
This is the high and holy calling we cannot ignore - to be repairers of the breach, reconcilers of relationships, and pursuers of peace. It is to follow in the footsteps of the prophets and saints who came before us, who risked reputation and livelihood to proclaim the unpopular truth, agitate for justice, and model radical inclusion. It is to take up the cross of sacrificial love for all of our neighbors and all of our world.
The path to advocacy is not an easy one, but it is one that we can navigate with empathy, wisdom, and discernment. These qualities are not just helpful, they are essential. They guide us to hold space for nuance, reject false dichotomies, and stay grounded in both compassion and facts. They equip us to have difficult conversations openly and honestly, without retreating into defensiveness or divisiveness. They empower us to establish boundaries and demand mutual respect.
For all who are committed to justice, let us reaffirm our dedication to the challenging but necessary work of creating a world where every person will not just survive but will thrive and where every story can be heard. Let us be courageous in speaking truth, humble in acknowledging our shortcomings, and gracious in continuing to love, even when it is difficult. This is our mission, our purpose, and our hope.
The road ahead is long, and the burden is heavy. But if we walk it together, bearing one another's burdens and seeking the face of God in each other, we will find our way home. Ultimately, there are no "they," "them," or "other"-- only us, one human family, beloved and broken, striving to love as we have been loved. May we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
