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“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble Psalm 9:9”
There are many references about oppression in the Scriptures. In the dictionary the meaning of the word oppressed is to be exploited or systematically harmed by others. Oppression is the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel and unjust manner. People who have no freedom are oppressed.
Jesus came to set people free of oppression and that He did and is still doing that today through his people. Jesus comes through the love of the Holy Spirit and breaks the stronghold of oppression in people and in nations. He becomes their stronghold and Jesus does not forsake them; He sets them free.
Pope Francis continues to address the evil of oppression many times. Let us ponder his words of wisdom and try and apply them to our lives: “It is necessary to place the dignity of the human person at the center of every prospect and every action. Other interests, even if legitimate, are secondary. At the center is the dignity of the human person. Why? Because the human person is in the image of God, he was created in the image of God and we are all made in the image of God!
It is through Jesus' showing us how to love and care for one another that can end the stronghold of oppression of people and nations. In order to even begin to end the stronghold of oppression, we have to begin with ourselves. Do we have unforgiveness lurking in our hearts? Do we have buried angry turned to resentment hidden in the depths of our heart? Let us ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anything that keeps us from loving and praying for those who we disagree with politically and morally. Jesus said pray for your enemies. This is impossible without the grace of God.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation helps us to be free of unforgiveness in our hearts. It is in confession that God hears and frees us of our sins and inclination to sin. Jesus comes as the merciful savior and pours healing balm and graces into our souls. The grace of confession little by little chips away at the yuck in our hearts. Receiving Jesus' body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist, frees us to pray for our enemies and to love those whom we find difficult to love. “But by the grace of God, go I”
Let Us pray: Lord, send forth your Spirit of Love and set your people free.
Connie Beckman resides in Helena Montana with her husband and their dog Chewie and their two cats Heidi and Bailey. A number of years ago, she was the editor and feature story writer for a small bi-weekly newspaper. Connie has been published in a number of Catholic magazines. Margaret Ann Stimatz, Ruth Lloyd, and Connie co-authored a 40-day-reflection booklet entitled: Mercy for Little Souls which contains tidbits about the late Father Stu Long's powerful ministry with quotes from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy In My Soul. Mercy for Little Souls is available at Beyond.227.org. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word addressing a variety of subjects. "Go out to all the world and tell the good news." Mark 16:15.
