Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional - Flipbook - Page 15
ADVOCACY
Biblical Reflection
hristians are bearers of good news and bad news. Our church’s theological tradition tends to sway
us into one or the other. Some traditions overemphasize the proclamation of the “new heaven
and new earth.” As if that were all of what God is concerned about. Others forget or ignore the
promises of the “new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” Since the fall of our original
parents (according to) Genesis, God began a process of renewing humanity.
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The first coming of Jesus inaugurated the beginning of the end of that
process. Notice that this transformation or renewal is an ongoing process.
The Spirit of God is actively using the church (and even those who do not
identify with the church) to influence human institutions and demand
justice due to all of God’s children.
“We have been
empowered and
sent to the world to
change the world
so that all people
can experience
‘fullness of life.’”
The faith we have received from Jesus and the apostles reveals the
principles of God’s reign and his will for humanity. We are a megaphone
for God: “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead,
they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house”
(Matthew 5:15). Those who know the heart of God cannot be satisfied with preaching about a future
perfect life while people today are hungry, homeless, abused, enslaved, rejected, and killed.
We have been empowered and sent to the world to change the world so that all people can experience
“fullness of life.” “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to
the poor” (Luke 4:18). We are the voice, the arms, and the feet of Christ in the world.
Demanding that our elected officials work for a world that provides the same care for all, equal
opportunities and rights, is our responsibility. Advocacy is one powerful tool to proclaim the good news
that God is setting the world aright.
Reflection Questions
1. Do you fear the consequences of speaking up and engaging in advocacy to hold our elected officials
accountable on issues related to hunger and poverty?
2. Do you believe that the Spirit of God has the will and power to change what is wrong in this world?
3. What will you do to partner with God in the renewal of the world?
Prayer
Lord, I confess my inaction, my timidity. Awake your Spirit within me. Let me feel passion and
compassion for my neighbors who suffer. Free me from any political or religious ideas that blind my
spiritual vision. I desire to see my neighbors how you see them and be your instrument of liberation and
renewal. I want to be a faithful follower of Jesus. In your name we pray, Amen.
Call to Action
Commit yourself to advocacy for and with people in need—get involved, communicate with your
members of Congress, join a demonstration, speak up, and denounce evil. Once you start witnessing
injustice, you cannot stop.
Rev. Carlos L. Malavé is executive director of Christian Churches Together in the USA.
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