Our spiritual theme for the month of February is “Justice.” This is a big topic with many rich ways to engage, both for spiritual reflection and spiritual practice.
One way to approach justice is to understand what it is in relation to other actions. We often confuse acts of charity with acts of justice. Here’s the distinction:
Charity is directly providing things like money, food, clothing, and shelter. Another word for charity can be “service.” Social services agencies provide charity. Faith communities also provide charity or service, and OUUC has a long history of doing so: Camp Quixote, Community Kitchen, and proceeds from the Brownies, Books & Beans book sale. Charity offers immediate relief to the person in need and often feels good to the giver.
Justice is social change in institutions, policies and systems. Justice work may be lobbying for legislative changes, advocating for a policy change at a workplace, or developing practices of welcome and inclusion in a faith community. Justice work is rarely immediate and often comes in small steps. The reward of justice work is often small victories that can add up over time. Sustaining energy and hope over the long haul is absolutely required for justice!
Of course, both charity and justice are needed in the world; people need to be fed, clothed and sheltered. AND the systems, laws and policies that leave some people without basic needs must be identified and changed.
I explored this topic in a service last November 12, which you can watch here. (The Story for All Ages is especially wonderful at minute 29:18!)
You can also learn more in this short clip from the Elementary Teachers of Toronto.
While it is important to understand what justice is, what is most important is to act. There is plenty to address to help make this world more just, and our actions don't have to be big. Ask a question, notice biases, try a different way, speak up.
What one thing can you do to help bend the arc of the universe toward justice?
Blessings on your week.
Rev. Mary
Minister@ouuc.org
