"Sermon for Gaza: The Struggle Against Oppression and Injustice"

"Sermon for Gaza: The Struggle Against Oppression and Injustice"

In the conflicts I covered as a reporter in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans, I encountered singular individuals of varying creeds, religions, races and nationalities who majestically rose up to defy the oppressor on behalf of the oppressed. These individuals, despite their vast cultural differences, had common traits—a profound commitment to the truth, incorruptibility, courage, a distrust of power, a hatred of violence and a deep empathy that was extended to people who were different from them, even to people defined by the dominant culture as the enemy.

Some of these remarkable individuals are well-known, like Vaclav Havel or Martin Luther King Jr., but most of them are unknown or forgotten. They are the unsung heroes who risked their lives and reputations to stand up against radical evil. They are the ones who understand that resistance to injustice often means enduring a life that is considered a failure by the standards of the wider society. They accept that the dominant culture, even the liberal elites, will push them to the margins and attempt to discredit not only what they do, but their character.

In our quest for justice, it is important to recognize that ruling institutions—whether they be the state, the press, the church, the courts or universities—often serve the structures of power, no matter how venal, which provide them with money, status and authority. These institutions, including the academy, are complicit through their silence or their active collaboration with radical evil. The most courageous individuals, those who dare to challenge the status quo, are often purged and turned into pariahs.

To resist radical evil is to embrace a life of profound faith. It is to believe in the power of truth and justice, even when it seems illogical or absurd. As theologian James Cone wrote, the cross is a paradoxical religious symbol that inverts the world’s value system, offering hope in the face of defeat and suffering. Believing in this paradox requires humility and repentance, as it challenges the proud and the mighty who think they are called to rule over others.

In our struggle for justice, it is crucial to remember the words of theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who described the need for a "sublime madness in the soul" to battle against malignant power and wickedness. This sublime madness, as Niebuhr understood, is dangerous, but it is also vital. Without it, truth is obscured and justice perishes. Traditional liberalism, with its intellectual and emotional limitations, is insufficient in moments of extremity. It lacks the spirit of enthusiasm and fanaticism that is necessary to move the world out of its beaten tracks.

The prophets in the Hebrew Bible embodied this sublime madness. They saw and faced an unpleasant reality, compelled to proclaim the opposite of what their hearts expected. They were voices in the wilderness, screaming in the night. They understood that their role was to critique power with powerless love, snatching victory out of defeat.

Today, we find ourselves in a world that is plagued by scarcity economics and overcapacity. The pursuit of wealth and power has led to the exploitation of the poor and the destruction of the environment. The rich nations continue to accumulate wealth at the expense of the developing nations, perpetuating a system of inequality and injustice. In this world, it is essential to recognize that the pursuit of wealth and power is not the path to true prosperity.

Instead of focusing on accumulating wealth, we must focus on the well-being of all people. We must embrace a new economic model that prioritizes the needs of the poor and ensures that everyone has access to basic necessities. This requires a shift in mindset, from a focus on individual wealth to a focus on collective well-being.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help guide us in our quest for justice and resistance against radical evil:

1. Embrace humility and repentance: Recognize that the pursuit of power and wealth is not the path to true prosperity. Instead, focus on the well-being of all people and prioritize the needs of the poor. Embrace a mindset of humility and repentance, understanding that true change starts from within.

2. Stand up against injustice: Do not be afraid to speak out against injustice and oppression. Use your voice and your platform to advocate for the rights of the marginalized and the oppressed. Stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for justice, even if it means facing opposition and persecution.

3. Challenge the status quo: Do not be complacent with the current state of affairs. Challenge the dominant culture and institutions that perpetuate inequality and injustice. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and take risks in the pursuit of justice.

In conclusion, the struggle against oppression and injustice is a lifelong commitment. It requires courage, a deep empathy for others, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. We must embrace the sublime madness in our souls and stand up against radical evil, even when it seems illogical or absurd. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.