Today's reflection is by Jesse Belanger
Member of the Episcopal Chaplaincy at Boston University
Do you remember that phase of growing up when you started to
realize that, even though it had always come naturally to look up to and
listen to the adults in your life, it was actually possible for you to
talk to them as well? Not merely speak, of course, but communicate,
discuss – even debate – as two people with equally valid investments in
the topic at hand. I remember that bit of coming of age, and how strange
it seemed to me that my voice could matter to anyone with more
experience, or knowledge, or power.
Even now, adult life presents situations to all of us where we are inclined to voice a concern to someone with more power, but fear the repercussions of doing so. Yet this passage from Genesis, where Abraham speaks out to God – challenging his plan to destroy the wicked and righteous alike in Sodom, reasoning with him to be less reckless – assures us that there is nothing wrong with respectfully using our voices when something seems to be going amiss. It reminds us that whether our conscience calls for us to open dialogue with a family member, community member, or even God Himself, we need not be afraid: righteousness is in taking it upon ourselves to speak.
Even now, adult life presents situations to all of us where we are inclined to voice a concern to someone with more power, but fear the repercussions of doing so. Yet this passage from Genesis, where Abraham speaks out to God – challenging his plan to destroy the wicked and righteous alike in Sodom, reasoning with him to be less reckless – assures us that there is nothing wrong with respectfully using our voices when something seems to be going amiss. It reminds us that whether our conscience calls for us to open dialogue with a family member, community member, or even God Himself, we need not be afraid: righteousness is in taking it upon ourselves to speak.
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