Jesus understood quite clearly how easily people in positions of influence can exploit their power to the grave detriment of those in vulnerable positions. He had observed this pattern repeated throughout his upbringing under the dominant presence of the Roman Empire. The same ruthless and extractive spirit that was central to the Roman imperial ethos also shaped the economic, religious, and political realities for people across first-century Palestine.
Monday 235
In societies that are shaped by scandalous levels of inequality, such as ours, the temptations of wealth and the seduction of power rapidly create a gulf of separation between people of means and those without. Rather than fostering relationships based on mutuality, kinship, and cooperation, unbridled wealth and power leads to relationships based on exploitation, indifference, and callousness. This type of separation is inherently sinful, especially when people with influence, wealth, and power view human life and the natural world as a means to an end.
While pointing out the dangers of following those whose moral and spiritual corruption might put our lives and livelihoods at risk, Jesus also invites us into the Reign of God. It is by following the path of Jesus each day that we participate in the ongoing process of creating a new reality, God’s beloved community, where abundance, nourishment, and love are found in relationship with one another and in harmony with nature.

Michael N. Okińczyc-Cruz

Michael N. Okińczyc-Cruz is the executive director and cofounder of the Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership (CSPL) and
an adjunct assistant professor at the Institute of Pastoral Studies
at Loyola University of Chicago. Learn more about CSPL at
csplaction.org.