LEE: Peace seekers work for justice

I try not to watch the news very often. Available daily, the topics of violence, war, health care, mental health and immigration are discussed at an exhausting rate. Did I mention violence? It seems to be the underlying theme with most things nowadays.  

In the ministry of Special Youth Services (SYS), we are not strangers to hearing about violence and sorrow. The most difficult listening occurs when hearing the violence committed towards the kids and their families.  Listening to the creative and depraved ways people hurt one another is astonishing and bewildering. The most heart-wrenching is hearing the pain inevitably following violent acts. 

As difficult as it is, it is in those moments the Holy Spirit creates a sacred space of healing and consolation. In this sacred space, grace pours out to all gathered in His name. Grace is a powerful gift often taken for granted. Grace works for justice. Like justice, grace is a fundamental element in the human experience of healing and the essential tool for the transformation of hearts.  

Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice. If this is true, then we all have an obligation to work for justice. Working for justice begins in the pews. Learning our faith, conceptualizing the spirits of the faith, and nurturing an active prayer life are the basis of our fundamentals as people of faith. But what do we do after we rise from our knees?
Reverend James Lawson, a respected religious leader in Houston, provided a notable perspective when he said, “And I think if religion is valid, as I understand it for myself and for my family, I think religion must get out of the pews and become a movement for the moral, intellectual spirituality that can help us become the people that God has created us to be.”

From this statement, one can appreciate the reminder to put our Christianity into action.  

SYS volunteers strive for peace and work for justice by modeling the embrace of Christ through pastoral care, advocacy and faith sharing in local juvenile justice facilities, including restorative services to at-risk youth, ages 10 to 17, and their families through weekly visitation, Bible study and group programming. We all have a part to play in bringing about the kingdom of God.

If we are able, we should serve our families and friends, we should love one another as He loved us, and we should serve our local communities. We must all be active and involved in our civic communities as well. One of the simplest ways to strive for peace is by utilizing our voting privilege.  

If you would like more information about SYS, contact us at [email protected].

Franchelle E. Lee is the director of Special Youth Services.