Contemplative Comics Day 4

Since I made this comic, this reflection “Every Life Is A Sacred Space” has been a regular part of my prayers. Especially in dealing with difficult people and students. I would raise myself up above those who haven’t figured things out as well as I have, just as I lower myself under those who I think have figured out things better that I have.

Sorting people by their achievements and their mental or spiritual health is a ridiculous and destructive way to live.

Sorting people at all is counter to the Gospel.

All is grace.

However, I must say that I don’t mean Every Life Is A Sacred Space in the same way that some people say All Lives Matter (which is strangely used as a rebuttal when folks have to remind those of us in places of power, safety, and privilege that Black Lives Matter).

I am making a theological statement that every person we would cast aside as irrelevant, unimportant, or unholy was made in the image of God, to be in community with God, for the glory of God. As such, we dishonor the image of the Living God when we dishonor our enemies and neighbors. People such as Fr. Greg Boyle and his work with Homeboy Industries, Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, Dr. James Cone, Bishop Richard Allen, and so many others (a surprising number of Catholics now that I think of it) have helped to teach me this.

Every Life Is A Sacred Space.

Black Lives Matter.

-joshua.