I Said What I Said!

And I said: Listen, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Should you not know justice? – Micah 3:1 (NRSV) 

Many of us are familiar with the prophet Micah because of chapter 6 verse 8: What does the Creator require of you? Love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly with your God. 

Here chapter 3, Micah’s heed towards justice is the same. If you keep reading, the prophet really calls the people out—no word mincing. The prophet names what he sees, what he knows the people are experiencing, the evil of it all. No apologies. 

In my hood imagination, I can hear the prophet declare with righteousness anger: “I said what I said. Justice is not an option—it’s a requirement. A sacred law. An edict from God.” 

In my holy imagination, God is urgently saying to us in these ugly times enacted by intentionally evil leaders and allowed by complacent people of privilege: “I said what I said. Love God. Love your neighbor. Love yourself.” 

Name what you know is evil. Feel the collective pain of your neighbors. All neighbors. All creation. 

Do something. Put your faith into action. Use your privilege and position. No excuses. Get to the frontline and protect the vulnerable. Fund the movement. Set up a bail fund. Call and hold your elected officials accountable. Accompany those directly impacted. Pray and invoke joyful rebellion. 

Beloved, I said what I said. 

Prayer
Still-speaking God, we re-member Your call to each of us to embody Your love. To be Your love in the world. And to share our love as radically as You have. We receive this call with courage, curiosity, and commitment. Ashé and amen.

About the Author
Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks (she/they/ella/elle) is an Afriqueña queer womanist minister, healer, and lifelong co-learner committed to the liberation of oppressed and colonized peoples, building power, and creating community.