‘Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’
(see Luke 18:9-14)
Kevin Maxwell was a dream candidate for the police force—passionate, hard-working and keen to serve his community. And, as a gay black man from a working class family he could easily have been a poster boy for the Force’s stated commitment to equal opportunities. Instead he came up against entrenched prejudice, open racism and homophobia.
In his book, Forced Out, his last paragraph goes, “As I began rebuilding my life after being forced out and the devastation that followed, and find a place where I can be at peace with this world, with who I am and what I am, and write the next chapter of my story, I say to all those fighting for a better world: never waver in your absolute belief that you can and will triumph.’
In the face of so many injustices in our world, one can feel like giving up altogether, believing that those in power will always win. Jesus was quite clear about power and leadership, and for him it was underpinned by the promise that those who are humbled will be exalted. His Kingdom of Justice is so often in contradiction with many of the values and experiences of the world—and also of the Church, which is not immune itself to being unjust. May we listen to the oppressed, challenge the powerful, and be alert to our own bias and discrimination.
PRAY FOR those who suffer racism, homophobia or transphobia, and all who have had their freedoms taken away, and for a true recognition of our own personal prejudices
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 