Each Sunday of Lent, we will reflect on the ‘seven last words’, or phrases, spoken by Jesus from the Cross in light of our Position Papers. This Sunday, we recall the first words spoken, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”, and link these with our congregational position on economic justice.

“When they reached the place called the skull, there they crucified him and the two criminals; one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’. Then they cast lots to share out his clothing. The people stood there watching. As for the leaders, they jeered at him with the words, ‘He saved others, let him save himself’.” (Luke 23:33-35)

From the Cross, Jesus speaks of the ignorance of action or inaction. Injustice occurs when we passively stand there watching from among the crowd, ignorant of the fact that our individual choices and behaviors contribute to the violence inflicted on others, particularly that of suffering caused by extreme poverty.

Our position on economic justice speaks of our vision that all persons, with special awareness of women and girls, ought to share in the economic, social, and spiritual benefits of our global wealth. We perceive this as a call to personal and communal conversion, aware of our own wealth and privileges. We also understand that there is a prophetic call to stand against systems and structures of economic injustice, some of which we are a part of.

As a Congregation, we educate, advocate, and increase awareness through our ministries that bring practical relief from poverty, such as the Levántate Mujer Foundation in Bolivia.

Today, we invite you to evaluate how you participate in unjust structures and ask you not to passively stand there watching on but to reflect upon what you do to lessen the suffering of others caused by global economic exclusion.