For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Isaiah 61: 8
Fear, anger, despair – we experience so many emotions caused by this pandemic. The prophet Isaiah talks to a captive Israel who probably had these same emotions. He offers hope and renewal in God’s covenant of blessings, grace and love.
Yet, for some, that hope may feel out of reach. We’ve been reminded by the virus and recent events of the many ways that people of color are treated differently, often with deadly consequences. Racial injustice exists in healthcare, housing, education, employment, our justice system - in fact, practically everywhere.
While Isaiah’s message is one of hope, it’s also a warning. “Love justice, hate robbery and wrongdoing.” As a white woman, I will never experience or truly know the pain and consequences of racism.
I can, however, embark on a more earnest quest to learn how my own actions or inaction might be contributing to that pain. I can also advocate for and invest in the kinds of change needed to right the injustice that our brothers and sisters of color know all too well.
During Advent, hold onto the hope of Isaiah’s words, but also heed the warning in them. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that there is much work to do in righting the wrongdoing of racism as we prepare the way for the coming of Christ.
God, we are grateful for your promise of hope and everlasting love. Open our eyes and hearts to see all people in your image, and give us wisdom and courage to change those things that cause injustice in our world. Amen.
Patty Cline serves as Director of Advancement at Liberty Lutheran and is a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown, PA.
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