Lev 25:4-10.
Day of Atonement, Day of Correction
…but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land, …You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven years... then shall …the trumpet of the jubilee sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement (4ff.).
The Sabbath day of the week, Sabbath year of seven weeks and of Jubilee year coming after seven Sabbath years all have its focus upon correcting the wrongs done with regard to the rights of property and freedom of other human beings, which in religious terms, denoted as the atonement day . The weekly, yearly and jubilee Sabbaths, also involved rest not only for people but also for the land as well as all the living and the non-living organisms (v. 10). All are entitled to regain whatever they have lost (vv. 10, 13), mark of real atonement. These Sabbaths were holy as they proclaimed full forgiveness of sins, redistribution of land and restoration of God given rights and freedom. It reiterated the fundamental law that "the land belongs to God.”
During these days of the hegemony of globalization where poor people are dispossessed and displaced from land in the name of development and free trade the Church must proclaim loud and clear this biblical injunction that denounces callous race for possession and power .
● Lord, make us instruments of peace and justice.
● ● Engage in the political process to restore the rights of people over land and life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment