Privilege and Prejudice

father-forgive-themLiving in the Spirit
November 19, 2016

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:33-43

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ –Luke 23:33-38

I started to begin this thought with the phrase “Professional women over the centuries dealt and deal today with people who do not know what they are doing.” I then realized that the phrase “Professional women” bears a totally different connotation than I intend. Many might think of purveyors of the euphemistically called “oldest profession.” The state of women remains a step behind in many jobs and many places. They still are treated by some as objects of personal pleasure. In the USA women receive 80% of the salaries men receive for the same work. In Oklahoma, they receive 73%*.

When I read the scripture above, I remember working for or with men with much less experience and education promoted over me who did not have a clue about doing the actual work required. My women coworkers and I would joke about the guys earning the salary and our doing the work. It wasn’t funny.

Jesus’ death on that cross frees us to be fully the people God created us to be as we work to fulfill his call for a just world. It also liberates us from hiding behind the ignorance of privilege and prejudice. We can no longer claim we know not what we do.

Prayer: Lord, turn us around, open our eyes, write your message on our hearts, free us once again from allowing greed, lust for power, and self-righteousness drive our lives. Makes us doers of justice. Amen.

*http://www.aauw.org/files/2016/09/the-simple-truth-figure-2-v2.jpg

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.