Tag Archives: Justice

Restorative Justice

Living in the Spirit

This Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 photo shows the gurney in the the execution chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

September 1, 2022

Scripture Reading: Philemon 1:1-21

When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith towards the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.

For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. –Philemon 1:1-16

Oklahoma did not execute anyone between January 16, 2015, when executions were stopped because of concerns about the method used. In 2021, a new Governor and Attorney General returned to executions, in their minds correcting a miscarriage of justice. Yes, we are still using the same method. Since October 28, 2021, four men have been executed, and 25 additional people are scheduled for execution by January 12, 2023.

The story in the above scripture addresses the return of a runaway slave who had stolen from his master. In his journey, he encountered the Apostle Paul, who introduced him to Jesus Christ.  Apparently, Onesimus converted to following in the ways of Jesus, and Paul convinced him he needed to return to his owner and make amends for his crimes, which he did. The word “Onesimus” is Greek for the English word “useful.” Not only did Onesimus return, but Philemon was instructed to welcome him as a beloved brother rather than a slave as he returned more useful than when he left.

I recently heard the story of one of the men on death row in Oklahoma who was guilty of killing a man and has served 18 years on death row since his conviction.  Apparently, this man also had a conversion experience and now dedicates his life to welcoming and caring for new prisoners as they arrive, being useful to their wellbeing. His love and concern for them may be the balm they need to return to society as a useful citizen.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for not practicing restorative justice as modeled by a prisoner himself. Amen.

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Controlling Self-righteousness

Living in the Spirit

August 28, 2022

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ –Luke 14:1, 12-14

This must be the season of fundraising for non-profits. Many were canceled over the past two years because of COVID. I think we may have decided that we just must live with the virus. Non-profits have their own personalities. Some hold lavish dinners with cocktails before and special treatment for the big givers. Others offer more modest refreshments often in touch with the service they provide.

The purpose of this scripture perhaps lives in the first verse. Jesus was going to the house of the leaders of the Pharisees. I do not think Jesus is saying we should not enjoy meals with our relatives and friends and enjoy meals when invited to their homes. No, he was addressing a group who at times got a little too caught up in self-righteousness. Eating with the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind might have touched the hearts of some of them to see the needs of others and not just invest their time in strictly following rules targeted at ultimately receiving the rewards they expect from their behavior. I think we can assume Jesus saw none of the groups he named represented at this dinner.

We, too, need to keep our self-righteousness in check. The challenge is to take our blinders off to see ourselves for how we treat others.

Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize that all people were made in your image and that we must see that image in each person not categorizing them by the opinions of the world. Amen.

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Actions Speak Loudly

Living in the Spirit

August 25, 2022

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper;
   I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?’  –Hebrews 13:1-8

We could classify this as good advice to live by. We could also recognize the unknown author of Hebrews as a student of both Hebrew and New Testament scriptures. It contains a little Ten Commandments, some Sermon on the Mount, and parts of Matthew 25. It is good that we read through such scriptures routinely to reinforce their importance. It is just as important that we live what we believe. I like the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Usually attributed to St. Francis, which is now open to debate. These words speak a valuable lesson. How we treat others is often how we will be judged. When we act and speak in Christ’s name, we set the stage for how others understand him. In times like these, I shudder when I hear some of the things done in Christ’s name. Thus, besides being acquainted with the scriptures, we must maintain a close connection with God, who is indeed our helper.

There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God*.

Prayer:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee,
near to the heart of God*. Amen.

First verse and refrain of the hymn Near to the Heart of God by Cleland Boyd McAfee, see at https://hymnary.org/text/there_is_a_place_of_quiet_rest

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Cracked Cisterns

Living in the Spirit

August 22, 2022

Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah 2:4-13

Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord:
What wrong did your ancestors find in me
   that they went far from me,
and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves?
They did not say, ‘Where is the Lord
   who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
who led us in the wilderness,
   in a land of deserts and pits,
in a land of drought and deep darkness,
   in a land that no one passes through,
   where no one lives?’
I brought you into a plentiful land
   to eat its fruits and its good things.
But when you entered you defiled my land,
   and made my heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’
   Those who handle the law did not know me;
the rulers transgressed against me;
   the prophets prophesied by Baal,
   and went after things that do not profit.

Therefore once more I accuse you,
says the Lord,
   and I accuse your children’s children.
Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
   send to Kedar and examine with care;
   see if there has ever been such a thing.
Has a nation changed its gods,
   even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
   for something that does not profit.
Be appalled, O heavens, at this,
   be shocked, be utterly desolate,
says the Lord,
for my people have committed two evils:
   they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living water,
 and dug out cisterns for themselves,

cracked cisterns
   that can hold no water.

While this scripture was written sometime between 626 and 586 B.C, it could have been written yesterday as it describes well the turning away of God’s people today.

But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.  . . . and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.

I invite you to join me in reading it, and considering how the world’s ways distract us from what is really important. Some people are profiting from our getting caught in the chaos they create, not just to our detriment but to the realization of the Beloved Community we are called to be.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we get caught in the world’s distractions. Surround us with your love so we might be examples of your love for others. Amen.

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Change is Coming

Living in the Spirit

Living in the Spirit

August 18, 2022

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:18-29

You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. (For they could not endure the order that was given, ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.’ Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, ‘I tremble with fear.’) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. –Hebrews 12:18-24

Hebrews ends with a comparison of a relationship with God via comparing old with new, the law compared to the gospel, Abel’s blood spilled and Jesus’s blood bringing in a new covenant. Moses trembled with fear as he approached the holy mountain while entrance to the heavenly Jerusalem is a coming home experience.

Our world and everything in it routinely experiences small but dramatic changes. Thirty years ago, did you imagine life with a cell phone? Major changes have had even greater ramifications, the Renaissance for example, or the “discovery” of the New World. I believe we are in one of those major-change times right now and I believe we are called, to work with God to tilt the outcome toward the formation of the Beloved Community.

Our world is suffering the chaos of change, threatened with battles between authoritarianism and democracy, the growing division between the haves and the have-nots, and climate change that threatens our very being. God continues to shape our world just as he created the earth out of chaos. We must be open to God’s calling to partner with God in the work of making the Beloved Community a reality.

Prayer: Lord, turn our fear of what is happening in our world today into energy to build your Beloved Community. Amen.

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Repairing the Breach

Living in the Spirit

August 16, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 58:9b-14

If you remove the yoke from among you,
   the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
   and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
   and your gloom be like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you continually,
   and satisfy your needs in parched places,
   and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
   like a spring of water,
   whose waters never fail.
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
   you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
   the restorer of streets to live in. –Isaiah 58:9b-12

The word breach today is most often used to describe an infraction or violation of a law, obligation, tie, code, or standard unfulfillment or nonfeasance constituting infraction*. During Isaiah’s time, it most likely took on the connotation of something that was broken, ruptured, or torn condition, a place showing rupture, split, or fissure*. While the definitions are much the same the first describes a more sanitized meaning where we would go to court, whether civil or criminal, and handle the issue. Isaiah speaks more of something more visceral and observed as being irreparable but must be repaired for life to be meaningful. As impossible as life may seem at times, we serve a God who is a repairer of the breach and who has called us to be repairers of the breach.

We are at a crossroads in our nation, the whole world, where breaches surround us. Where discerning what is just and right has become so fractured, we cannot find the common ground needed to support the Common Good even to the extent that we are caught in a pulling contest with God being the rope. Rather than conducting a religious tug of war, we must let God be God as God strives to rebuild us and makes us repairers of the breach.

Prayer:
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
forgive our foolish ways;
reclothe us in our rightful mind,
in purer lives thy service find,
in deeper reverence, praise**.  Amen.

*https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/Breach

**First verse of the Hymn Dear Lord and Father of Mankind by John Greenleaf Whittier. See at https://hymnary.org/text/dear_lord_and_father_of_mankind

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Called to Do Justice

Living in the Spirit

August 15, 2022

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying,
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’
Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me,
‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”;
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.’
Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth;
and the Lord said to me,
‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.
See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to pull down,
to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant.’

I have been so impressed with some of the youth and young adults who have picked up the causes of justice in our land. They are ready to see a world built on caring for one another. I think they must have grown tired of divisive empty words when so much of importance is at stake.

Most of the prophets professed the need to have God put words in their mouths. I know that feeling every time I write something. I never want my words to be turned around against the situation I am addressing. I also remember Joan of Arc’s dilemma when she prayed for a message from God, and none came immediately. I know the wisdom of sleeping on something I have written to see it with fresh eyes, so I am not missing the mark.

I guess what I am trying to say is that all Christ-followers need to be brave like the young Jeremiah or the youth of our day standing against the injustice they see as we answer God’s call to end discord and build a loving world.

Prayer: Lord, grant us the courage to follow your call to justice.  Amen.

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

The Climate is Changing

Living in the Spirit

August 14, 2022

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:49-56

He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? –Luke 12:54-56

Probably many of us have had our heads in the sand regarding climate change. Oh, I recycle my garbage that can be recycled, drive an energy-efficient small car, and adjust my thermostat to the most efficient level I can. That clearly is not enough. The signs of the impact of climate change are getting bigger and more serious but some of our leaders are unwilling to take the steps necessary to protect our fragile earth. We know much that can be done to slow down the onslaught before it is too late. How long have we been putting this off?

The Climate is Changing

The climate is changing! Creation cries out!
Your people face flooding and fire and drought.
We see the great heat waves and storms at their worst.
We pray for the poor, Lord — for they suffer first.

We pray for the animals here in our midst
who cannot defend their own right to exist.
We pray for the mountains and forests and seas
that bear the harsh footprint of our human greed.

We thank you for people who treasure the Earth,
whose faith has long taught them its beauty and worth.
We thank you as well for the children and youth
who look to the future and speak out the truth.

We thank you, for leaders, courageous and brave,
who know that the Earth is worth fighting to save,
who care about justice and what they should do,
who listen to science and work hard for you.

You love this good Earth, and you sent us your Son!
May we love our neighbors — there’s work to be done.
May we, by your Spirit, do all in our power
to care for your Earth in this critical hour*.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for failing to care for the earth you created for us. Amen.

*The Climate is Changing hymn to the tune of ST. DENIO 11.11.11.11 (“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”) by Winfrey Gillette See at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/new-hymn-lyrics-support-efforts-to-counter-climate-change/

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Civic Duty of a Christian

Living in the Spirit

August 12, 2022

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. –Hebrews 12:1-2

Anybody can say they are a Christian. However, growing up I sang the song that rendered the message, they will know we are Christians by our love*. Hebrews tells us we are called to run with perseverance the race that is set before us. That race is joining Christ’s crew to finish the task he started in his life, death, and resurrection of transitioning our world into the Kingdom of God– the beloved community of God.

Our nation is built on the concept of the separation of church and state. Our constitution even provides in the First Amendment that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. While candidates certainly have a right to claim to be Christian, you may want to check out their record, if you are considering voting for someone this year because they identify as Christian. They may have a different definition of Christianity from yours. Are their actions dedicated to the descriptions of how Jesus judges our work for God’s kingdom found in Matthew 25? Do they seek the good of all people, not just a chosen few? Do they pander to the rich to the detriment of the poor? Do they serve their constituents, not just their political party or their faith group? For example, do they support public education designed to transition all children into adulthood ready to be self-supportive and self-sufficient? Do they understand that being healthy is crucial to being a contributing member of society? Thus, health care must be a right, not a privilege. Does it bother you that the USA ranks number 1 among industrialized countries in the cost of health care** and 18th in the quality of care***? Does it bother you that the USA and Oklahoma’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour when a living wage for one person is $15.75**** in Oklahoma? What are the candidates for office you are considering doing to address these issues? If the purpose of government is to provide for the Common Good, surely these issues should be at the top of all our elected officials’ concerns.

Prayer: Lord, guide us as we fulfill our civic duties.  Amen.

*See full lyrics of They Will Know We Are Christians by Peter Scholtes at https://hymnary.org/text/we_are_one_in_the_spirit

**https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/health-care-costs-by-country

*** https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/best-healthcare-in-the-world

****https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/40

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Judgment without Justice

Living in the Spirit

August 10, 2022

Scripture Reading: Psalm 82
God has taken his place in the divine council;
   in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
‘How long will you judge unjustly
   and show partiality to the wicked?

Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
   maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
   deliver them from the hand of the wicked.’

They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
   they walk around in darkness;
   all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

I say, ‘You are gods,
   children of the Most High, all of you;
nevertheless, you shall die like mortals,
   and fall like any prince.’

Rise up, O God, judge the earth;
   for all the nations belong to you!

Do we think of justice when we consider judgment?  They spring from the same Hebrew word. We are judged by how just we are. specifically decide controversy, discriminate between Persons, in civil, political, domestic and religious questions*.

I just read the book The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist by Radley Balko and Tucker Carrington. It tells the story of death penalty cases determined by unscientific science without regard to the possibly deadly consequences—judgment without justice. I also just heard that Congress had passed a bill to provide health care to veterans who returned from Afghanistan with various illnesses resulting from their assignment to work around toxic fire pits. The bill passed with flying colors in the House. The Senate made an important technical change, passed it, and sent it back to the house which once again passed it with even more support, I assume because they agreed on the technical change. It then went back to the Senate for final approval where some Senators now do not want to pass it apparently for reasons unrelated to the bill. Some of these veterans have waited for years to get their needed help—judgment without justice.

Prayer: Lord, enable us to provide justice not just render our brand of justice. Amen.
*https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8199.htm

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.