I live in an environment constantly working to make my life comfortable, going as far as to pursue a degree with job security. But in the world around me, there are horrible things going on: bondage, oppression, sickness, and injustice...and some of these things go on in front of us on our own campus. But can we remember times when we saw someone go out of their way to do the right thing or make someone's day? I sometimes think I am too busy and take for granted when I see acts of generosity, even towards myself.
Jesus came down out from His comfort zone, a place He didn't have to leave, to live in a world that had a lot of problems. This act was the greatest form of generosity, and we know that and love Him for it. But we overlook Jesus' acts as normal, and paint Him in our mind to fit our ideals, when in fact His life was nowhere near normal. The Gospels recount his acts to not be "socially acceptable", calling out those who needed to be put in their place, having awkward conversations in unwelcome places and hanging out with the not-so-coolest kids who he called to be His disciples. In the passage, Jesus felt called to stand up in front of everyone and preach justice, healing, and liberty. He was effectively being a voice for the voiceless, and the source of power for those without.
Acting with justice and generosity is awkward: it is supposed to be. But just as God sent His Son to be that justice, he also put us on this earth for that same purpose. So yes, we are called to be like Jesus: generous, just, extremely awkward, and leaving this heaven we have created for ourselves. Remember that Jesus didn't go at it alone, he brought some friends along for the ride: something we are also called to step out and do.
As a group we have felt the call be the voice of justice and a source of kindness and giving, and have striven to keep a focus on that in our daily lives. It has been so great to hear and read about our friends putting themselves out there, and in some cases admire their bravery. Yeah, it's easy to say we will try to do something this week but it gets put on the back burner by the excuse of being too busy, when it is fear holding us back. An it's okay to be afraid: we should be feeling afraid to do something this far out of our comfort zone. I admit I am reluctant just yet to get involved with something too out of my zone of comfort. So this week before we join our friends and face the butterflies in our stomachs, we need to develop an eye for justice and injustice. Look for the oppressed that was cheered up or the broken that was healed. Be excited for the generosity happening around us, and tell everyone so they can get excited too!
Great things are happening in the world around us. It's time to take the blinders off, step back, and watch.
