Human beings are like parts of a body,
Saadi
created from the same essence.
When one part is hurt and in pain,
the others cannot remain in peace and be quiet.
If the misery of others leaves you indifferent
and with no feelings of sorrow,
You cannot be called a human being.
See no stranger has become a practice that defines my relationships … Seeing no stranger begins in wonder. It is to look upon the face of anyone and choose to say: You are a part of me I do not yet know. Wonder is the wellspring for love. Who we wonder about determines whose stories we hear and whose joy and pain we share. Those we grieve with, those we sit with and weep with, are ultimately those we organize with and advocate for. When a critical mass of people come together to wonder about one another, grieve with one another, and fight with and for one another, we begin to build the solidarity needed for collective liberation and transformation — a solidarity rooted in love …
― Valarie Kaur from See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
We raise our voices in holy gladness to celebrate the victory of the risen Christ over the terrible forces of death. Easter is a joyful festival! It is a celebration because it is indeed a festival of hope! Easter marks the renewal of life! The triumph of the light of truth over the darkness of falsehood! Easter is a festival of human solidarity, because it celebrates the fulfilment of the Good News! The Good News borne by our risen Messiah who chose not one race, who chose not one country, who chose not one language, who chose not one tribe, who chose all of humankind! Each Easter marks the rebirth of our faith. It marks the victory of our risen Saviour over the torture of the cross and the grave. Our Messiah, who came to us in the form of a mortal man, but who by his suffering and crucifixion attained immortality. Our Messiah, born like an outcast in a stable, and executed like criminal on the cross. Our Messiah, whose life bears testimony to the truth that there is no shame in poverty: Those who should be ashamed are they who impoverish others. Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being persecuted: Those who should be ashamed are they who persecute others. Whose life proclaims the truth that there is no shame in being conquered: Those who should be ashamed are they who conquer others. Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being dispossessed: Those who should be ashamed are they who dispossess others. Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being oppressed: Those who should be ashamed are they who oppress others.
― Nelson Mandela (from his speech at the Zionist Christian Church Easter Conference – 1994)
EASTER
Keep your eyes on your work. Looking
at a dogwood does not make you blossom.Nor can a bridge of sighs span an ocean
of despair. For that, you need oarsand strong arms. Labor as long
as it is still called today. Yes, Faithcould have worn other metaphors,
but instead it rose from the deadand asked questions: Why are you
crying? Who are you looking for?Do not fear. Answer. The Risen One
Devon Balwit from Sojourners (April 2021)
speaks your language.
See Also:
- Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere
- There Is No Fear In Love
- We Are Bound Together For A Common Purpose
- Invisible Connections
- We Can Only Be Human Together (A Prayer for World Peace)
- We Are All Wounded People
- The Hill We Climb
- The Easter Challenge
- The Fertile Soil In Which Something New Can Grow
- Empathy
- Disturb Us O Lord – A Prayer by Desmond Tutu
