‘Cease to do evil, learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow’
(see Isaiah 1:10,16-20)
Our changing perceptions of the world can challenge us. Just think about how our use of language has changed, and continues to change, in order to become less offensive, more inclusive, and more fair. Some people may call it ‘political correctness gone mad.’ But, for us as Christians, it’s about recognising the dignity of every human being who has been made in the image of God.
In his book, ‘Jews Don’t Count,’ the comedian David Baddiel shares his perceptions and experiences of antisemitism. He explains that, on so many occasions amongst all the discriminations and racisms called out in society today, antisemitism is often overlooked. In an associated documentary of the book, Baddiel meets Jason Lee, a black footballer whom, some years ago, Baddiel portrayed in a way he now admits was racist. ‘What we lost sight of in those sketches was the human being on the other end,’ he told Lee. Baddiel apologised, and although the two didn’t part as friends, it was perhaps example of how we can learn from our mistakes. We can so often be unconsciously biased or racist and forget the human being on the other end.
‘Cease to do evil, learn to do good, search for justice,’’ is the call of Isaiah. Can we be willing to continue to ‘learn’ and to be open to having our perceptions and language changed, to listen to the lived experience of others, and so create a society where all feel included, respected and treated with dignity?
PRAY FOR an alertness to our own unconscious bias, and an eagerness and openness to listen to the lived experience of others.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice, the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 