The Gospel and social analysis

Some people wondered why I went to Paris, France, to study social analysis at INODEP (the Institute for the Development of Peoples) in 1981. They wondered why I should study the political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of our world rather than scripture and theology and spirituality. As it turned out, I later did study scripture at Trinity College from 1989 to 1992. But in 1981 I went to study social analysis not much to learn more about our world but for the sake of learning simple tools by which I could assist people, especially the poor, to identify what were the key causes of the injustices they had to endure. In doing so, I could also assist them in developing effective plans of action by which they would change those structures that brought about oppression and exploitation. Today's readings from Isaiah 7:1-9 and Matthew 11:20-24 remind us that the prophet Isaiah and Jesus had a good knowledge of the world in which they carried out their ministries. They also were called to address situations where people faced the threat of war or were controlled by those who did not want to encourage people to believe that they can create a better world. Scripture, theology and spirituality - the word of God, knowledge of God and communion with God - are very much connected with what it means to live in today's world and to work towards a more humane and peaceful society.