When I was a kid, I delighted in Saturday morning cartoons.
Bugs Bunny. Space Ghost. Jetsons. Flintstones. (yes, Smurfs)
My favorites featured the superheroes. A host of aliens with superpowers. Men and women with super-gadgets.
Superman. Batman. Aquaman. Wonder Woman. Green Lantern. Flash.
Of course, you don’t need superheroes unless there are super villains; a power that needs to be addressed. Enter the Justice League.
A group dedicated to preserving, enforcing, fighting for justice. Justice as right over wrong. As fairness and goodness triumphing over selfishness and mean-spiritedness.
So this Lenten season, I reflect on the ways I have fought for justice or participated in perpetuating injustice. I consider the ways my choices in the marketplace contribute to fairness or exploitation. I take time to examine my power to impact the lives of the less fortunate, the taken advantage of, the marginalized.
I find myself wanting.
Instead of succumbing to shame or guilt, I believe I have an opportunity. This self-assessment can lead to change. I can remember the words of Micah and Isaiah and I can seek to make them part of me.
Injustice doesn’t have to mean defeat. Injustice doesn’t have to mean I give in or give up. Injustice doesn’t have to be the end of the story.
Today, I recommit myself to making a difference. I will support the student’s dodge ball tournament. I will help build sustainable water and sanitation solutions. I will buy free and fair trade. I will remember the real Justice League is the collection of all of us fighting for the rights of the vulnerable and those at-risk.
I will recruit others to the cause. Are you in?
Life is better together,
Shawn
Big Rubber Band Ball 