For those interested, here is a post from this forum in 2014. It is long and you may not want to read it. I post it only to flesh out my point of view. Here it is:
“Hi (name removed)...
you wrote:
“Simply put ... what I am concerned with is my personal responsibility in the resistance against the exploitive and oppressive powers that do not seem at this point in history remotely on the verge of repentance!”
This is a key question, which each has opportunity to explore and embody. I have found the heart of the matter is located in my imagination. What I think about matters; if it finds its way to action. Not great grand schemes but small repeated motions adding up to patterns of care and compassion; the formation of character.
I was often frustrated because my study, my practice and my advocacy seemed so ineffective. The big picture did not seem to shift even an iota because of my effort.
Gradually I realized that even the smallest expression of justice, mercy and humility added at least that measure to the persons most directly affected. A kind word, a bright smile, a listening ear, a helping hand.
The key being my recognition that the person met along the way is a person loved just as I am loved. Not some distant other to be either pitied or ignored, but the divine image cloaked in unfortunate circumstance.
The rich man who passes by the poor man is not faulted for being rich. He is faulted for failing to see his "neighbour" by his door. He has divided the world into those who count and those who do not count. Much as we see in our own time.
I like Bob Marley on topic. He sings "Exodus, movement of Jah people." I see this as those who long for another way stepping out, vacating the structures of exploitation and oppression to discover a new economy where each has according to need and each gives according to ability. For me, this is the meaning of daily bread as gift and responsibility.”