Reflections on Justiceনমুনা

How blessed are the parents who teach their children the values of love, mercy, and justice, and how blessed are the children who grow up watching these models in their homes!

But, more than this, how precious it is to have the extraordinary love of God, which is as wide as the sky, as high as the mountain, and as deep as the ocean! God wants us to become advocates of justice and love in this broken world. We are to share this love with others.

Mercy Mathew was born to a rich Christian family in Kerala, south-western India. At the age of 16, she left her family in Kerala and travelled over 2,000 km to move to a convent in Bihar, eastern India, with the purpose of serving God. She soon realised that life in the convent was entirely different from the experiences of the many tribal people around her, and their suffering moved her. So, she decided to serve God by serving tribal communities across Central India. She changed her name to Daya Bai to work with them and wore tribal dress. Slowly, she adapted their culture and lifestyle over many years and was embraced by the communities in return.

Now in her eighties, Daya is credited with a vital role in uplifting tribal communities' access to healthcare, education, and economic facilities. It was her life-long fight of love against the injustice the tribes were subjected to for many decades. May our loving words and actions show a unique God to society and bring positive changes in the lives of suffering humanity.

Challenge: In some states of India, as well as other parts of the world, Christian minorities are suffering persecution because of religion. Consider your circumstance, and commit to uniting, praying, visiting, or responding to their suffering.

Prayer: Lord, kindle the fire of your infinite love in our hearts. Please help us develop our love so that we can see the pains of our brothers and sisters.