A Gospel For The Underprivileged

Part 3 of When Equity Evokes Rage

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(Read this series from the beginning at Part 1 and Part 2.)

As we wrap up our consideration of Luke’s gospel for the underprivileged, what does this mean for us today? Two weeks ago, we discussed learning to tell the difference between those who respond to justice and reparations with rage and those who respond by seeing these changes as good news. Right now organizations I sit on the boards of are rewriting their policies because their state and federal government are threatening consequences in response to any language of diversity, equity and inclusion. Justice agencies’, divisions’, and organizations’ funding is being threatened, lessened, or cut. People who have worked unceasingly to engage the work of shaping our society into a safer, more just, more compassionate place for all are being told their services are not longer needed. Multiple organizational are seeking to now navigate the new and changing social and political landscape. So this week’s reading is timely given our current climate.

The ancient hope of the Hebrew people was of a day when all injustice, oppression, and violence in our world would end, and the early Jesus movement grew out of this hope. Today, it’s difficult to recognize that hope among the many sectors of Christians that have thrown their support behind those who would dismantle progress our imperfect society has made toward justice, equity and inclusion over the last decades.

What can we do?

Look for those this week’s reading refers to as people who are poor, hungry, weeping, and spoken of as evil by those undoing justice in our communities. Look for those the underprivileged who are hungering and thirsting for things to be put right. Look for those weeping because immigration officers are separating them from their family members. Look for those the present power structures are being weaponized against, who are being accused of being dangerous or evil. Learn to rightly discern what is going on around us right now. And throw your energy on the side of right, equity, and justice. Whatever your hand finds to do in protecting and helping those being erased, marginalized, and hurt today, do it with every fiber of your being. This week, find those who belong in the list of those who are blessed , and align your stories with theirs. Come alongside them, and work in solidarity with them.

I still believe the gospel is good news for everyone. Whether you are privileged or underprivileged right now, the gospel is about restoring a world that reclaims and affirms the humanity of us all regardless of our social location. It will feel like good news for many, yet initially feel like a stinging curse for certain others. Lean into it, regardless.

There are implications here for us at this moment. We’ll explore those in Part 2.

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