Miguel de la Torre is an activist and theologian in Denver. He writes a lot about what it means to be privileged, what privilege looks like. He wrote a book about Jonah and describes how even when we are the oppressed individuals, our call is to communicate God’s redemptive love to everyone. Without exception – even to those who use their relative power unjustly.
It goes against every tortured memory and bitter slight we might have sustained at the injustices done to us. You might even say it is Foolish. Irresponsible. Insane. But the message of God’s love has everything to do with power – that is, giving it up. Because, in order for a situation to be truly just, it cannot consist of power differentials, power plays. The only way that balance can exist, for everyone to be treated with equity and regard is for those who hold a majority of power to give some of it up, empowering those who have little or none.
Giving up power. Give up power to empower “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
Consider your own Call. To what are you called?
Jesus said, “blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers… because they already have the kin-dom of heaven. They also have the earth. They are righteous. Mercy comes to them. They actually see God, and belong to God.”
The meek, the merciful, the peacemakers – they own heaven and the earth! Not by wielding power over others. They do so through poverty of spirit (not controlling, managing others); they mourn over lost relationships; they are merciful. They see God.
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