“Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy.”
―Wendell Berry
When have you turned aside from success as defined by capitalism to choose justice or mercy?
Presumably the biblical author knew as well as Dr. King did when he quoted the line, that a mighty stream rolling down not only quenches thirst and washes clean, it also causes massive disruption. A flash flood washes away everything in its wake, leaving those in its path to rebuild anew.
When has the call for justice caused you to tear down and rebuild some part of your life or beliefs?
Looking at this image of a massive wall topped in barbed wire, it is clear that it is designed to be as harsh and impregnable as possible. What you can’t tell is whether it is made to keep people in or keep people out. You can’t tell what is being defended or who it is being defended from. In a mood of defensiveness it is easy to lose track of these details.
When has defensiveness kept you from clear understanding?
Perhaps you are used to thinking of angels of mercy, but this sword-wielding angel is more interested in justice.
When have you chosen ferocity over gentleness in the cause of justice?
“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”
―Elie Wiesel
What is the most recent thing you have done to protest injustice?
