In the Gospel of Matthew today, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. This messenger from God comes to resolve the dilemma Joseph faced upon his discovery that Mary was with child before they had lived together. Joseph trusts the dream, but his decision to act with kindness and mercy was made before the divine revelation is made. Joseph did not rush to judge Mary. He was unwilling to expose her to shame. He put her vulnerability and feelings before his own anger and confusion. He acted with empathy. In the course of one 24-hour news cycle, one day texting, tweeting or on the phone while in the office or at school do we witness and participate in purposeful efforts to expose others to shame? Are we being just when we rush to judgment uninformed and unwilling to fully know or understand what is really true?
- Polly Seitz is a member of the Center for FaithJustice’s Board of Trustees
