The LORD secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
A few years ago, I felt trapped in a job and was constantly anxious and feeling victimised by senior professors and co workers. It had reached to a level, I would sit in the parking lot, giving myself pep talks on why I deserved to be there and walk in with confidence which fizzled out at first sight of anyone senior. I finally could not tolerate the stress and demanded time off so I could rethink my profession and the stressors along!
While I of course went back and finished with my tenure and left the place with nothing but bitterness and disgust, I also learnt that God doesnt come to save you, just cause YOU feel you are the victim! He doesnt magically give you wings to fly away sticky situations or the courage to call out the bullcrap that is happening to you!
I did pray alot during those few days I sat home and finally did everything I loved – took dance lessons, watched a comedy stand up live, traveled by bike across the mountains and boy I realised I cannot keep waiting for God to swoop me in His arms as the oppressed child. All the self loathing and gossip was no good – I was always free from it, but in my head I was under chains and rules! It took me an entire year later to realise that I was entitled to my opinion and was also legally allowed to voice it too! While I the stood up to my bullies and ensured they knew I was on to them and would demand my holiday leave as per roster and point out fallacies in events – I was being less of a victim and more of myself!
Today the psalm reminds me of all His promises but some seem hard to digest! I still see people suffering – good people, kind people starve and oppressed people lose more of their worth and life! It is hard to believe that in an age of War, terorism, hate,crime – God is there waiting to help. While elected officials themselves are upto no good. Then I remember , we cannot keep whining about being oppressed or hungry- we work, we learn, we ask and grow!
I know it is easy for me to sit behind a computer and type this all, buut as a minority faith holder in my country- I know my place is always at risk! I have to stand up and fight to be seen, as a first generation doctor – I have no ready made links and connections with others, I have to study earn it with my merit! As a person brought up on ideals of being honest and hardworking, I do not give up until I have done my best ever.
So with the Lord, He is wanting us to pick at the faith we have in Him for courage and hope and stand up to the oppression and the hunger! Find out a way through education and justice, and when someone on earth tells me how can I stand up for the dignity of life cause I am an obgyn and its my catholic indoctrination — I walk to every corner and talk about it! Speak my faith and love for the birth of love through all media I can – cause my Lord is with me!! He gave me the courage to set those captive and unheard of to speak!!!
Today let us do our bit as Christians to speak for someone and be kind! The Lord will be setting us free! Our faith does not end at the Sunday mass or lighting the advent candles but should stem from that and pick a purpose this advent to work on and prepare for the coming of the Lord ….
PRAYER:
I pray to you Lord for courage and faith
Help me be your guide to people who need you the most!!
AMEN
