Sunday, December 04, 2016
Sunday Reflection: Release to the Captives
Susan Stabile asked me to submit a Reflection for Advent to the St. Thomas collection this year. It came out on Dec. 2. Here is what I said:
First Friday
of Advent
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Release to the Captives
The
deep pain of waiting is something that has become a part of my work.
With my students, I seek clemency for those serving long sentences for
low-level and non-violent narcotics offenses. I get to know their
families well as they wait with a mixture of hope and fear.
A
few weeks ago I was in Washington DC, at a vigil in front of the White
House. Many of the family members I have come to know were there. One of
them was a woman named Veda. We have corresponded with for years, as
her brother is incarcerated for a non-violent narcotics offense. She has
been a remarkable advocate and hero, pushing
me to take on his case (I prepared and submitted his petition earlier
this year). As we talked, she told me about the sleepless nights and
worry, the disappointment that her brother has not been on the lists of
those given clemency, and the slam of despair
that came after the election for her and many other African-Americans. I
gave her something, an ancient Roman coin bearing the name of the
Goddess Clementia, and she broke down. I held her as she sobbed, all the
sadness and heartbreak pouring out of her. It
was deep and real and true, for both of us.
When
Jesus began his ministry, he told his family and neighbors that he
had come to "proclaim release to the captives" and "to let the oppressed
go free." Each of us is captive; each of us oppressed. But it is for
those who are literally, physically captive that these words may mean
the most.
One
part of the work I do-- the joyous part-- is calling and telling people
their petition has been granted. The prisoner is called to the warden's
office and handed a phone, and I give them the good news. In August I
called a man named Robert, a Christian. I simply said "God is good." He
knew what that meant, and replied (as we do)
"all the time." Sometimes, during the waiting, that is hard to remember.
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