Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, June 21, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
This image intrigues me. Sometimes when I think about the state of the world and our communities, the urgent need for change makes me want to bulldoze through anyone and everyone standing in the way. Yet the justice of this servant Isaiah describes is gentle. Or, at least, gentle to those who are suffering injustice. These are the bruised reeds and the dimly burning wicks, the people who are unheard and marginalized.
What it makes me think of is the idea of centering BIPOC voices and leadership in the cause of justice, rather than stepping into the role of white savior. When we think we know what is best and push for the agenda we think would solve the problem, we risk breaking the reeds and quenching the wicks of the very people we are supposed to be serving. Instead, we can faithfully bring forth justice by listening to what our BIPOC siblings ask of us and doing it without regard for our own personal esteem.
How can I work for justice without making the work about me?
