Justice In The Lectionary: Proper 7 (12)
Jesus, Justice & Joash is based on the work of Rev. Joash P. Thomas, global human rights advocate and theologian. Drawing from his ancient, St. Thomas Indian Christian roots and a decolonized, justice-centered understanding of Scripture, Joash helps audiences reimagine a faith that unites rather than divides—and that stands firmly with neighbors on the margins. Through speaking engagements, teaching, and advocacy, he calls Christians to a more contemplative yet courageous activism, motivated by the grace-filled, non-violent way of Jesus.
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First reading and Psalm
1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a Psalm 42 and 43
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Second reading
Gospel
The 1 Kings reading starts right after a moment of triumph for the Prophet Elijah. It does however also point to Elijah’s own humanity and frailties in the midst of great miracles. After choosing violence in the chapter before (right after being a conduit for one of the greatest miracles in the Old Testament nonetheless), Elijah now faces the consequences of both his faithfulness and flaws.
Elijah’s humanity serves as a reminder to our own humanity - we have the human capacity to be both the oppressed and the oppressors. And unhealed trauma wounds often cause victims of oppression to act out in ways similar to their own oppressors.
The Psalm 22 reading gives us a glimpse into the inner wrestlings and yearnings of Elijah, much like the inner yearnings of us today in seasons where God’s grace and presence feels distant. But in this deep wrestling, there’s hope:
“For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me but heard when I cried to him.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever!”
God always stands on the side of the oppressed and marginalized. And if the oppressed and oppressors ever switch sides, God also switches sides to stand with the newly oppressed group of people.
The Isaiah 65 reading speaks to the grace offered by God to oppressive people through the prophets - whether or not they call upon the name of the Lord. Because God is love. And a loving God who displays great love for his enemies also invites us to display great love to ours.
“I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, "Here I am, here I am," to a nation that did not call on my name.
I held out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices;”
The Galatians 3 reading emphasizes our oneness in Christ through our baptism. In Christ, both the oppressed and the oppressors are reconciled to God and to each other. Who is someone you absolutely abhor (for the most valid reasons) but are still at one with through your baptism in Christ? Even if they (or you) are no longer living in accordance with your baptismal vows. What would it look like for you to embody Christ to this fellow baptized Christian in order to meet them where they are today?
In our Luke 8 reading, I am struck by the humor in this scene:
“Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they became frightened.”
Justice and liberation can be frightening to the minds of those who have become accustomed to the unjust status quo. How odd that these folks were more frightened by this person being liberated of their demons than they were of this person being possessed by demons? The promise of our marginalized neighbours living in equity with us as one of us can indeed be frightening. Because that requires us to give up our powers, privileges, and preferences for the sake of the flourishing of others.
But we better get used to this change. Because the liberation of this one person through Christ points to the liberation that all of creation will one day find when Jesus returns to make all things new. A liberation that will no doubt be frightening to many.
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