Let Justice Roll Down...
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." - Amos 5:24
Making justice to roll down like waters and bringing about ever-flowing righteousness is hard work...
Every February, our Japantown community in San Francisco has an event called the "Day of Remembrance". Those of you involved with Japanese American communities anywhere would most likely know what this event is, but it is on that commemorates the forced internment of the people of Japanese descent due to the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin Roosevelt on February 19, 1942. The executive order was given after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese military, and mandated the forced evacuation of over 120,000 people of Japanese descent (most of them U.S. citizens) living in the U.S. and some abroad. They were forced into ‘internment camps' and lived behind barbed wire. It was not until 1944 that the executive order was deemed unconstitutional and was completely rescinded in 1945.
Making justice to roll down like waters and bringing about ever-flowing righteousness is hard work...
This year's theme for the Bay Area Day of Remembrance is: Carrying the Light of Justice. The program will honor Gordon Hirabayashi, who was one of the three who openly defied going to the internment camps, claiming that it was unconstitutional. His case went all the way to the Superior Court, but it was ruled against him in 1943 (It wasn't overturned until 1987).
Making justice to roll down like waters and bringing about ever-flowing righteousness is hard work...
The emcee for the event is Karen Korematsu, whose father was another of the three who defied internment. In a recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, she talks about how her father, after losing his case with the courts (like Hirabayashi), had to hitchhike to Utah, where the rest of his family was. He was not received well by those at the internment camp in Topaz (Utah), who claimed that he brought shame to his family and other Japanese Americans by fighting the government instead of trying to prove their loyalty by quietly adhering to the government. Because of this kind of shaming and pressure, Karen did not know about her father's efforts until she came across a friend's presentation on the internment camps in high school. Even then, her father didn't want to talk about it and said, "It's in the past now."
Making justice to roll down like waters and bringing about ever-flowing righteousness is hard work...
Today, both Hirabayashi and Korematsu (along with Minoru Yasui, the third of those who defied internment) are hailed for their courage to have stood up for what they thought was right – but as you can imagine, the road they trod was anything but easy. They were vilified, shamed, outcast – all in the name of what we now know as ‘justice' and ‘righteousness'. But because they stood by their convictions, justice did indeed come, and many now enjoy the fruits for their labors.
Making justice to roll down like waters and bringing about ever-flowing righteousness is hard work...
God calls all of us to be peace and justice-makers. God calls us to be co-creators of God's reign of righteousness. But oftentimes, the road is paved with disappointment, sometimes even persecution. Making justice to roll down like waters and bringing about ever-flowing righteousness is TRULY hard work...and yet, God still calls us forth to join in what God has begun – and seeks to complete, with us, working hand in hand.
What a noble and powerful (and somewhat daunting) calling we are given! I pray that we all will be given the courage, perseverance and strength to be the makers of justice and bringers of righteousness – however small – to the circles and communities that God has placed us in. So...how will you heed and live your call?
Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream!
Reflecting on becoming a justice-maker,
CLERK'S REPORT
The session, acted on the following items on February 12, 2012:
- Approved to place a B&W business-size ad ($175) in the Cherry Blossom Festival Guide published by the Nichi Bei Weekly
- Approved to dismiss 1 deceased member from membership roll
How's everyone doing? I hope that everyone is doing fine. I am the co-moderator with Ed Murray this year.
Things are different this year. The reason is that we are one person short and already things to do. I am adjusting to the lead role of being the Co-Moderator. I am doing my best to lead the Deacons to a good year if not a better year. I am learning something new along the way with a lot of help from other deacons young and old (not too old).
When I went to the Officer's Retreat last month a lot things went through my mind since then. Thinking what is best for the Deacons and the congregation. If I am missing something please forgive me. I will do my best trying not to forget and also keep an open mind.
The Deacons would like to thank the individuals who have contributed to the coffee fellowship during the month of January.
The Deacons are aware there are others who do not sign up on the list, but contribute. We would like to thank you all!
-Ralph Tanaka, co-moderator
Article of Interest
The 2011 annual report booklets are available. The book includes information on the committees, fellowship groups, boards and finances of the church. It is an excellent summary of the year's activities. If you wish a copy, please call the church office at 415-567-3988.
