Injustice & Indifference
"Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed." -John 18:27
As I was coming back to my desk after lunch, I saw my colleague, Christy, lying on the floor in the breakroom. Was she sleeping? Was she making a scene? What the heck happened to her?
I saw several colleagues walking past Christy. Some were confused. Some acknowledged her and ignored her. Some even made fun of her. Some made excuses not to do anything. Some even denied knowing her.
I went over to Christy and asked if she was doing okay. She was unresponsive, and I saw that her face was completely flushed.
Praise be to God, we had a blood drive downstairs. I asked the nurses to rush and help Christy. As they checked her vitals and lifted her up, Christy awoke and began to drink some water. Although I was relieved to see her responsive, I wondered how long she had been lying on the floor, ignored and denied basic human dignity.
On Good Friday, we recall Jesus’ Passion and journey to the cross, and we witness several people walking past Him.
We witness people who chose to ignore Jesus, especially those who had earlier welcomed Him.
We witness people who chose to make fun of Jesus, especially the guards who created the crown of thorns and mocked Him as “The King of the Jews” (John 19:2–3).
We witness people who chose not to intervene, especially those around Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross.
We witness people who chose to deny Jesus, especially His own disciple Peter, who denied Him three times.
When you witness injustice, have you chosen to deny others their human dignity? When is it easier to be confused, indifferent, fearful, ignorant, unkind, or hateful? When was the last time the “cock crowed,” calling you to the depths of your conscience? When have you felt it was easier to be part of a mob, like when the crowd shouted, “CRUCIFY HIM!” (John 19:6)?
Lord, when I witness injustice, help me not to be indifferent. Help me not to deny You. Help me to help others carry the cross and to honor the sacrifice and love You have given us through Jesus Christ.
John Huân Vu