When I was one of
the thousands of fine defaulters in jail, and you took the
time to learn the truth about prisons and prisoners and signed
a petition to have legislation changed.
When I continued
to live under the immense strain of debt, and you joined millions
around the world to have this debt cancelled.
When I was evicted
from my boarding house so that a big, new, luxurious housing
development could be built, and you protested against this
development.
When I was a terrified
asylum seeker who survived an horrific trip and arrived on
your shores, and you wrote to the government pleading for compassion
and justice for me.
When I was hungry,
and you got up early in the morning to work on the coffee van.
When my welfare payments
were threatened by new policy, and you challenged governments
to be realistic and do the job they are supposed to be doing.
When I needed to
hear the word sorry, and you, with
thousands of others, expressed that sorrow
and friendship in a very public and positive
way.
When my rivers were
being polluted and struggling to flow, and you decided not
to use harmful washing detergents any more.
When I slogged it
out, day in and day out in a sweatshop, and you stood up for
my rights as a human being and as a worker.
When I felt excluded
and diminished because people would not use language to include
me, and you spoke out publicly to have this type of behaviour
stopped.
Truly I say to you,
just as you did this to one of the least of these who are members
of my family, you did it to me.
I thank you and
I ask you to continue this journey so that ALL may have life
and live in harmony.
To live in me
is to live in this way. I am with you always and you will
always have the courage, strength and hope you need to live
in right relationship with yourself, others, the universe
and me. Trust me.
(Based
on Matthew 25:31-46)
