My Little Scapegoat

While praying Morning Prayer for today the reading jumped out at me. It is a reminder that while any victims of scapegoating need to be defended, most of the time we either can’t see it on a macro level, or it’s simply too big for me to expect to make significant headway on a cultural level. But. What I can do is stop my own little violence towards my neighbors – friends, family, and strangers alike – by my own small actions. If I point to the big violence in the world and justify my own small violence because it “isn’t that bad”, then I am participating in scapegoating nonetheless and my guilt needs to be dealt with.

That’s what I can do today.

Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.” – Ephesians 4:29-32

St. Scholastica, pray for us!