“If your children go to school, who will play music in our funeral related functions,” shouted the government official. He refused to give certificate of their caste for those hapless children to get free admission in the school. These men belong to traditional ‘music playing caste’ whose ‘duty’ is to play dirge in funeral functions. They cannot play music in other joyful functions or in other celebrations. Probably, the government official thought of his own funeral deprived of traditional dirge. These musicians went to a social worker who went to higher officials and got them the needed certificates. However, the officer was angry and shrewdly spoke with other government officials and made sure the ‘good Samaritan’ non-government organization was de-recognized and shut down. This kind of incidents happen again and again in many parts of India each day.
When Nehemiah chose to get leave and go to Jerusalem to build the ruined city walls, there was opposition. “But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.” (Nehemiah 2:10) These two men were upset because someone is interested in welfare and progress of oppressed Israel. Hence, they started opposing Nehemiah using various methods; legal and illegal ways.
First, the privileged think they are god-favoured and so enjoy undue advantage and privileges in their social life. They do not want to lose them by any way. They have a mentality that the ‘pie’ or resources would be constant, sharing with others mean, their share will become lesser and lesser.
Second, the privileged consider poor as inferior to them. They do not deserve any privilege they enjoy. Hence, they are envious of progress of poor.
God’s Law of ‘loving neighbours’ includes all poor, under-privileged, marginalized, oppressed, exploited and vulnerable. As Christians should always be willing to help such people to grow or progress.
Do I contribute for others progress and growth?