Glimpse of Hope
Josh Dowton reflects that Justice is part of the work of God’s Kingdom, bringing new life and wholeness.
This is a “liberation not set solely in the future or some eternity but one that happens in our flesh and bones, here and now.”
The justice of Jesus is entirely practical. Against the backdrop of colonisation, Jesus ministered to people who were disadvantaged and excluded from dominant religious practices. As Jesus proclaims the bread of life, he provides physical bread: a manifestation of inclusion and freedom. Dr Janice McRandal explains that in today’s reading, Jesus makes no distinction between our physical or spiritual hunger. He satisfies all our needs. The invitation extends to us today: come and be satisfied; and come and take part in bringing liberation to the here and now.
Reflect: Ask God to guide your thoughts as you reflect on what belief in Jesus the liberator looks like.
Act: How might you go about inviting those who are disadvantaged or excluded, to eat the bread of liberation with you as equals?
Dr Janice McRandal is the Director of the cooperative, a centre for public collaboration in the spirit of public theology. Janice is a feminist theologian who works with critical theory to explore themes of systematic theology alongside politics and popular culture. Her publications include Christian Doctrine and the Grammar of Difference and Sarah Coakley and the Future of Systematic Theology.
Next week: Josh Dowton shows us how the resurrection life that Jesus brings, animates our work in God’s kingdom.
