They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,
saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace.
—Jeremiah 6.14
Martin reminds us in an unjust system
calling for “peace” and “unity”
simply protects the system,
justifies the injustice,
keeps the slaves enslaved.
Injustice will not let go till it is pushed;
the righteous choose to not go along with evil,
but to trouble it, to push back, to resist.
Liberation requires disruption:
a boycott, a freedom march, an Exodus.
It needn’t be violent. But it will disrupt.
It will disrupt abuse of power,
exploitation of people and living things.
It will certainly disrupt expectations,
habits, propriety, business as usual.
(They said to Jesus, “It is not lawful to heal…”)
It is not self-serving,
doesn’t turn opponents into enemies.
But it doesn’t make peace with cruelty.
It’s uncomfortable.
God, give me the courage
to disrupt injustice with love.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
January 18, 2021