Turning Our Own Hearts Around

To Whom Are We Listening

Two key questions which go a long way in shaping our values are on my mind: “To whom are we listening?” and “Whose interests do we represent?” (K.C. Abraham, Theological Response to the Ecological Crisis). Putting it another way, "Who has our ear? and “Whose rights do we protect?” In my book The Passionate Bride I comment on these two salient questions:

Since our actions are shaped by the values we hold, we must consider the drivers that impact our decision making. Do our values mimic the avarice, competition, and “me first” attitudes propagated throughout the West? If this is the case, it is unlikely there is any available energy for peace-making concerns on behalf of marginalized peoples. Indeed, we observe an absence of compassion driven by xenophobic fears revealed through isolationist policies and the commensurate rejection of refugees and immigrants. We see the turning away of the stranger rather than a welcoming and receptive spirit as taught by Christ.

It is important for us to remember Jesus’ inaugural public address which begins by declaring, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18-19). So I ask myself these questions, “How concerned am I about the poor, the captives, and the oppressed?” Do they have my ear? Do I speak on their behalf? Or do I simply protect my own self-centred interests?

Surely if I am going to follow Jesus ‘more clearly, dearly and nearly’ then it must begin by turning my own heart around. I must personally embrace the values of Jesus. I must see beyond my own concerns. I must speak on behalf of hurting and oppressed peoples. If I do so then perhaps ‘day by day’ I will mirror more the compassionate and passionate love of Jesus for both God, neighbour, and creation.