Let Us Not Be Agents of Our Own Oppression

"Let us not be agents of our own oppression." That's how a wise priest I know ends every sermon. He's a statesman in the Episcopal Church, a Canon, an administrator, a justice-seeker, a quiet activist, a public theologian, an urban priest, and a teacher. He's been around. He's seen it all. He's done most of it. He knows where the bodies are buried. He speaks with authority, and what he says goes right to the heart. At the end of his brief but brilliant homilies, "Father Ed" says, "Let us not be agents of our own oppression."

When choosing whether to vote and for whom to vote, let me not be an agent of my own oppression.
When choosing associates, let me not be an agent of my own oppression.
When conversing with others about issues of liberation and justice, let me not be an agent of my own oppression.
When choosing whether and where to worship, let me not be an agent of my own oppression.
When choosing whether and how to "come out" as the person I am, let me not be an agent of my own oppression.
When choosing which organization to support or assist, let me not be an agent of my own oppression.
When deciding that my life is sacred and not a mere issue for others to debate or to try to control, let me not be an agent of my own oppression.

Its a good prayer, really. I hope more people will say it, or similar words, "Let me not be an agent of my own oppression." Enough people praying those words, and allowing themselves to be the answer to their own prayer would undoubtedly change our society in radical and wonderful ways. Let us not be agents of our own oppression. Amen.