One of today’s lectionary readings is 1 John. Here’s a portion:
But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (2:1b-2)
And here are some words from Carlo Carretto who reflects on this passage:
Yes, I too must go beyond justice. To triumph over the sickness of victimisation I must go beyond it. Like Jesus and in imitation of him, I must wearily climb again the slope of my pain, and throw myself courageously in the descent towards my brothers and sisters, above all toward those whom the short-sightedness of my sick eyes sees the cause of my evils.
There is no other solution. There is no true peace and union with Jesus without it. As long as I waste time defending myself I get nothing done and I am not truly Christian; I do not know the depths of the heart of Jesus.
…Jesus taught that the beatitude is reserved for those who are persecuted for the sake of justice.
What does it look like to go beyond justice? What would it mean for me, for us, to push past merely pointing to and naming victims of injustice (even if that’s us) and “throwing ourselves courageously in the descent toward my brothers and sisters…” Much harder work. Much more humility, vulnerability, honesty, and courage required. Much closer to the life of Christ, the heart of the Gospel.
May we climb the slope of our own pain so we can willingly and repeatedly throw ourselves in descent toward others. May we have eyes to see beyond justice and into the heart of God. Selah.
