ELCA Social Justice Sunday: Social justice is not a (post) modern concept, but has its roots in the Holy Scriptures. The Mosaic Law provides guidance about the fair treatment of all who are part of Israel’s society, with special provisions for the weakest in the community: widows, orphans, and strangers (Exodus 22:22-23; Leviticus 19:33-34). Many of the prophets of the Old Testament point out that, without social justice, God’s will for God’s people is not fulfilled (examples: Micah 6:8, Amos 2:6-7; Zechariah 7:9-10). Loving God always has meant loving and respecting the neighbor and their needs as well. The New Testament continues in this tradition: from Mary’s song of joy at the birth and coming of the savior, the so-called Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) to Jesus’ own words about social justice (example: Luke 4:18-19), and the life of the early Christian congregation (Acts 4:32-35), we are reminded that faith in and love for God entails the care for our neighbor in need. Today, we remember this important part of our Christian identity.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:00:01 +0000
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