Jesus had just finished a provocative and compelling action at the temple in Jerusalem the day prior, having driven away the money changers and merchants. Tensions were high and Jesus was publicly denouncing what the temple had become—an imperial marketplace and a political and economic establishment. The temple was also the place that traditionally mediated God’s presence and forgiveness, whereas Jesus proclaimed forgiveness apart from the temple.
Jesus was at the height of creating a nonviolent movement that challenged the violent Roman regime. The dominant political system saw Jesus as a threat, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders were looking for a way to incriminate him. Ever astute and wise, Jesus offers a nonresponse, which tells a larger truth: Jesus is inviting us to act boldly, without anyone’s permission but God’s.
In considering the context in which Jesus shared these teachings and actions, I’m reminded of moments when I have acted versus being passive, times that were opportunities to affirm my dignity. As followers of Jesus, we have the authority and responsibility to pursue what is right in the world, to work for justice in light of the harsh reality in which we live, where vast systems of oppression keep our communities disinvested and disempowered. We must be vigilant, for the “powers that be” will challenge us as they strive to keep those systems of domination intact. We must ground ourselves in prayer, shake off our fears and doubts, relying on the Holy Spirit and one another when the going gets tough, to co-create a most just, humane, and loving world.

Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez

Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez is a cofounder and the director of spiritual and theological formation with the Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership, a spiritually rooted community organizing coalition in the Chicagoland area. Visit their work at
csplaction.org.