Scripture:
The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
Isaiah 50:4-7
Reflection:
Our first reading for Palm Sunday comes from Isaiah, who tells us that he remains steadfast in his beliefs and his commitment to bringing people the word of God, despite violence, taunting, and persecution. Isaiah is able to withstand all of this because of his faith and his connection to God. This reading calls us to stand up for what we know is right, even when what is right isn’t what is popular. I’m currently working on a big assignment for my graduate program, and spending lots of time reading research articles about why people don’t intervene when they see someone else about to get hurt – specifically, when they think someone else might be sexually assaulted. Many researchers find that people don’t step in because they think their peers wouldn’t support them. While this isn’t actually true – because researchers also find that most people would support someone who intervened – this reminds me how powerful our peers’ opinions of us can be. This remains true even in our current time of social distancing; you might find yourself uneasy with a friend asking you to leave your house, or with a relative who isn’t following guidelines to keep others healthy. You may find yourself wanting to say something, but not wanting to make anyone else uncomfortable. What matters more: the comfort of your friends and family members, or the health of our communities and the most vulnerable people in them?
So in those moments when we’re weighing the pros and cons of saying “I’m not okay with this,” how do we find the strength to do what’s right? I try to remember that I want to be a person who does what’s right, even when I think others will disagree with my actions. Other people might think about how their mom, or cousin, or best friend would feel if they didn’t step up. Others consult their spiritual or religious beliefs to guide their decisions. Isaiah is calling us this week to better understand our motivations for our behavior, and to strengthen our connections to what we believe is right and holy.
Practice:
Challenge yourself this week to speak up when you normally wouldn’t. Notice what helps you do this. Notice how you feel afterwards.
Coordinator for Prevention of Gender-Based Violence