Song

Song was my classmate. I will use his real name because I am sure he will not mind. He is proud of who he is and of what he stands for. He is a Mixe indian. He is a teacher and loves his work and his people.
We have a lot in common. We both have seen poverty and injustice up close and have a strong desire to see justice brought forth. He is part of the guerrillas in Mexico. He does not hide this fact and he even invited me to join in. =) I smile because it is nice to know that he saw in me a potential soldier, somebody that would fight in order to bring justice.
To see him in class was a constant remainder of the need for justice and of the church's apathy in many ways to reach out and make some sort of difference in this situation.
A large part of the group were christians, most prefered to avoid him. Most were preparing for the mission field. I wonder what we think the mission field will be like. Do we really believe we will be able to make some kind of impact out there, if we do not dare draw near people like Song who question our lifestyle and beliefs?
He was not the only one that supported the guerrilla in Mexico, there were others. One of the others had a beautiful picture of the jungle in Chiapas. Several men were sitting with their guns at hand and their faces covered. That picture struck me. I will be honest and tell you that it atracted me. Yes, the guerrillas is a political movement that is corrupted and imperfect. Yet there is something that moves deeply in my heart when I consider this men, boldly stating who they are and what they believe in. Men who clearly state they are willing to die, in order to bring change to this nation. I wondered if I loved God with the same zeal.
I honestly wondered.
I asked for a copy of the picture. "Why would you want one?" was the question. "To help me remember reality" was my answer. I got the picture.

One thrusday a conference was given in the same University on the new laws that are being passed. Laws that are to protect the indigenous languages. I was doing my homework with another indigenous man, we were both having problems and trying to figure things out. Suddenly Song walked in.
"Do they really think we will believe them?" It was the look in his eyes that troubled me, not his words. I saw deep pain, I pain I understand way too well. He spoke on, I hardly heard...I thought about the many times I have seen that look and have not had an answer. Not one that is acceptable.
I looked down in shame.
No way I could preach to this guy. No way I could talk to him on God, the Bible, the justice God loves... I could not speak of them because the church has not been a reflection of God's justice. How painful to have to remain silent.
But how could I speak? We the church are the ones that can draw near God and ask Him to show us His concept of justice, and to help us implement it...we do not. We are waiting for Him to judge. Sure, he judges and sure there will be A judgement day. But aren't we supposed to be His reflection? His instruments? His hands? HIS VOICE?
Our silence condemns us.

People like Song will turn to God quickly when they see God as God, but it is time the church rises in full splendor and becomes God's voice.
It is time we face reality.