Day 22: The Truth
BY JOSE OSUNA | March 22, 2017
Today’s Readings
Reflecting upon today’s readings, I cannot help but be reminded about how quickly our society has been distracted from many of the social justice issues we’ve faced over the past few years.
Protest in Ferguson, MO. (Jamelle Bouie via Flickr)
We have become distracted by sideshows and politics.
Suddenly, the police shootings have become invisible.
Suddenly, we have forgotten about all those who have come to our country seeking a better life, and the fact that this country was built on those people’s backs.
Suddenly, the lack of access to education and healthcare for many in our communities seems unimportant.
We have become caught up by the circus and its’ ringmaster.
“Take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.” (Deut. 4:9)
This part of the reading really speaks to me. It tells me that the truth is the truth no matter who chooses to believe it or speak it; it remains the truth. Injustice must not be forgotten, we must remember that we are a broken society that needs healing, and we cannot be distracted by the fanfare or the rhetoric of those that use it to distract us from the real work at hand.
Let us continue to be the voice for those that do not have a voice, as Jesus was for the voiceless when he walked among us.
Jose Osuna is director of External Affairs at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California. Osuna oversees communications, marketing, community outreach, and public and government relations at Homeboy, the largest gang-intervention program in the country. He first came to Homeboy as a trainee and has emerged as a leader. Previously gang-involved since the age of 10, Osuna served 13 years in prison and suffered the death of a son killed by gun violence. His experience is the driving force behind his work at Homeboy.
Well said,,,,,Let us never forget what America stands for…..Compassion and Love are never to be forgotten or ignored.
Jose–a voice of clarity and reason. The distraction has been going on over a year now and dominates the news cycle. Meanwhile the 40 young girls who died in the fire in Guatemala, the thousands of lives lost in Syria, the lives lost here in the states to gun violence are all second thoughts and 30 second news updates. And I am guilty of being a sucker and falling for it. I am one of those news addicted slaves who can’t wait for the next bit of drama. God help me and help us to focus on and direct attention to what is really important. At the very least, help us to not forget all the others.