The cross is a symbol of state violence used against those who are considered threats to the power of the state.  In Jesus’ day, the cross was reserved for people accused (and convicted) of sedition and treason against the Roman Empire.  In our day, the spirit of the cross can be seen in the harassment, threats and even execution of those who stand up for worker justice.  Forty-seven years ago today, Martin Luther King, Jr. traveled to Memphis, TN, to support striking sanitation workers and delivered his “I’ve Been To the Mountaintop” speech.  On April 4, he was killed while standing on his motel room balcony.   Questions remain about the roll of the FBI in King’s assassination.  For years, the FBI had kept King under constant surveillance, secretly tapping his phone lines and following his every move.  FBI Deputy Director at the time, William C. Sullivan, acknowledged in a memo that King was, “the target of an intensive campaign by the FBI to neutralize him as an effective civil rights leader.”

Read his final speech HERE.

Exodus 13:3-10

Today is the beginning of Passover, the annual festival that celebrates the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Special foods will be eaten that will remind the people of the bitterness of slavery (bitter herbs), the harshness of life under oppression (hard boiled eggs dipped in salt water), and the joy of release (unleavened bread and wine). Every aspect of the festival reminds the people that God is their liberator and the One who is victorious over the oppressor.

Today is also Good Friday, the day Jesus died as our Passover Lamb.   Through Christ, we have the promise of release from oppression and victory over the Oppressor.

Today, think of those who are still experiencing the bitterness of slavery and the harshness of life under oppression; think of those who are being sacrificed to the idol of greed and who are nailed to the cross of profit; and pray that they will find hope and joy as they await release through the mighty hand and outstretched arm of Almighty God.

On This Day….  Worker Justice during Holy Week

On this date, Pope John Paul II died after 27 years of serving as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.  As a priest in Poland, he had been involved in the formation of “Solidarity”, the Polish trade union; and as Pope, he wrote extensively about work and human rights, becoming known as a “Champion of Workers’ Rights.”  One of his encyclicals, “On Human Work” affirmed the need for just wages, the rights to organize and the value of all work and all workers.

Read “On Human Work” HERE.

Philippians 2:5-8; John 13:1-17

The disciples often argued about which among them was the greatest. What criteria are used by the world to measure greatness or success? How does Jesus measure greatness? Be honest; are there any jobs that you feel are “beneath” you? What “outer clothing” do you need to remove so you can take up a towel and basin? Whose feet do you need to wash?

On This Day….  Worker Justice during Holy Week.

The New York Times reported just minutes ago that McDonald’s corporation has announced that it will raise wages at the corporate owned stores.  About 90,000 workers will see their wages increase to an average of $9.90 in July.  Unfortunately, this does not apply to the 750,000 workers at franchise owned stores and it is a far cry from the $15 an hour that workers have pushed for.  Yet, it is evident that companies like Wal-Mart, Target and McDonalds are finally realizing that ignoring the issue of low wages does nothing for their bottom line or their reputation in the community.  Keep the Fast!

On this date, 400,000 coal miners in 26 states began a strike for safer working conditions and better wages.  Six weeks later, President Harry Truman took control of the mines and ordered the miners back to work without agreeing to any of the demands.  United Mine Workers of America leader John L. Lewis led the workers off the job again in November of 1946.  Despite a court injunction, the miners refused to return to the mines.  John Lewis was jailed and the UMWA was fined 3.5 million dollars.  Finally in December, the government agreed to the demands and the miners returned to their jobs.

Coal Mining has always been dangerous work.  Between 1940-1945, 7,942 miners lost their lives in coal mining accidents and explosions, an average of 1,588 per year.  Thousands more died of black lung disease.  Following the UMWA strike of 1946, accidental death was reduced significantly in mines.  Between 1947-1966, 9,498 miners died, an average of 475 per year.

Ephesians 6:5-9

This is an extremely difficult passage because Paul seems to acquiesce to the institution of slavery. We want Paul to clearly call for an end to the practice. However, given Paul’s understanding of the Old Testament, it is likely that he viewed slavery to be the equivalent of indentured servitude that was clearly meant to be temporary. That said, how does his message to “masters” shift the power dynamic in the relationship and ultimately subvert it? What principles from this passage—if any—could we apply to current employment structures? What might Paul say today to owners and managers of low-wage employees?

For an interesting look into the mind of Paul on the topic of slavery, consider reading the short letter to Philemon, the master of Onesimus, a runaway slave.

On This Day….  Worker Justice during Holy Week.

This evening, 366 businesses that have scored a 100% Corporate Equality Index for LGBT employees will be honored by the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, DC.   In 29 states, a person can be fired because of their sexual orientation.  And it’s not just in jobs at religious organizations or faith-based institutions.  It’s any job.  And in Michigan, a person can be fired if the employer “thinks” (s)he is gay!  Do you think Jesus would have an opinion about this?

Matthew 23:12; James 1:9-11

What jobs are at the bottom of the “corporate ladder”? Who are the workers that get the brass ring? Why do you think we aspire to the brass ring when those who get it end up at the bottom of the ladder in Jesus’ new order? How can we esteem our brothers and sisters who have been “humbled” by the economic system?

On this day….  Worker justice during Holy Week.

Lisa Sharon Harper invites us to resist unjust authority–just as Jesus did–during this Holy Week and to journey with those who have been oppressed.