Thursday, December 13, 2001

"Injustice is Violence-Creating-Violence!"

"Israel, the LORD who created you says, 'Do not be afraid - I will save you. I have called you by name - you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you.... I love you and give you honor. Do not be afraid; I am with you.'" Isaiah 43:1,2,4,5

"Deep waters...and troubles?" Some people have these by the ton-or tons! Their need for safety
clean air, pure water, food, health care, emotional warmth, housing, a job (it may take more than one job!), and a voice in the decisions which affect their lives - to many these " basics" are not only "unavailable" - their deficits are "off the map" of many officials and congregations which could make a difference. I know they can; I've worked with some who did!

When people are "passed over" and "left out" by the private and public sectors of our economy and communities - and ignored by many public groups in our society which should see to the well-being of all our citizens - a person's feelings of self-worth and connection to God and other people will decrease, and their attraction to and participation in violent behavior will increase.

Sometimes the behavior is directed against themselves. Sometimes it is directed to or projected upon others. In all cases, we have patterns of violence that cry out for attention and healing, love and justice. In short, for our faithful, creative, courageous work of peace making!

Remember the persons and places you named for yourself on Tuesday's page. Listen carefully
to the voices of the people. Can you feel the pain beneath their cries? Can you see the concerns within their words and music? Perhaps what's real for me is true for you: often I cannot see and hear and understand because I do not want to. Sometimes the weight of pain is more than I can bear and the depth of complexity is more than I can comprehend. My circuits are overloaded!

It's time to ask, "Are we connected to all the Power available?"

Read Isaiah again (above).

Myron Talcott

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