To understand Jesus the first Christians looked at the prophetic tradition of Israel. For example, St. Matthew quotes from Isaiah: “he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.” Micah is part of that tradition when he rails against injustice. “Woe to those who plan iniquity… They cheat an owner of his house.” For us to be genuine followers of Jesus, therefore, we must join with the prophets in working to ensure that this world looks the way that God intends. Protection of the vulnerable from the powerful’s ability to exploit them is not liberal politics but gospel values. The call to conversion is personal, surely — but changing our own hearts empowers us to change the world so that it more closely resembles the plan of God.
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By Church Staff