Streams of Living Water: The Social Justice Stream

During this season of Lent, as we have focused on self-reflection and repentance, we have also been exploring some of the spiritual traditions present in the Christian faith. Over the last few weeks, we have discussed Holiness - the virtuous life that focuses on a transformation of the heart and the development of holy habits; the Charismatic life - a life immersed in, empowered by, and under the direction of the Holy Spirit; and the Contemplative life - a life of loving attention to God and the heartbeat of Divine Love. This week we turn our attention to the Social Justice tradition.

When we look at the spiritual streams we have discussed so far, this stream is a natural next step on our journey. We have discussed seeking to be more like God in our personal actions, we have discussed the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and we have discussed a life focused on God’s love for us. So it makes sense to extend that love that God has for us out to other people.

Now, even as I say this, I recognize that in some circles social justice gets used as a bad word. We see people on social media referring to others as SJWs, so-called Social Justice Warriors, as if it is (or should be) an insult.

But this does a disservice both to the concept of social justice and to our own tradition. You see, social justice is very much at the heart of the movement of Jesus in the world, both in the past and in the present.

Jesus, who summed up the law and the prophets by calling on us to love God and to love our neighbors.

Jesus, who constantly centered outsiders and outcasts as heroes in his stories.

Jesus, who told us to not only love the people who believe as we do but to also love our enemies.