Romero: Prophetic Work as Kingdom Work - Liberation (Colossians 3:23-24)

In the heart of El Salvador, amidst the vibrant colors of humble homes and the warmth of community gatherings, Archbishop Oscar Romero emerged as a beacon of hope during turbulent times. Picture him—dressed in a simple cassock, his brow furrowed in deep thought, his hands calloused yet gentle from years of laboring alongside the marginalized. Each day, he stepped into the pulpit not only to preach but to proclaim justice, to challenge the status quo, and to embody the very essence of hesed—God’s steadfast love and mercy.

Romero understood the profound weight of Colossians 3:23-24, a scripture that spoke directly into the pain of oppression and injustice. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” he would urge his congregants, his voice echoing through the walls of the small church where the faithful gathered. But he didn’t stop at words; he went into the fields and the streets, meeting with farmers who toiled under the oppressive sun, many of whom had given up hope. He listened to their stories of loss, of dreams shattered by violence, and in those moments, he became their advocate.

Romero’s prophetic ministry was not merely about preaching liberation; it was about living it, breathing it, and making it tangible. As he walked alongside those in need, his actions resonated with the very spirit of Christ, who proclaimed in Luke 4:18 that He came to announce good news to the poor. Every visit he made, every letter he wrote advocating for justice, was an extension of his service to “the Lord Christ.”

In our own lives, we are invited into this sacred work—whether it’s caring for a neighbor in need or standing up against injustice in our communities. Let us work heartily, remembering that in every act of love and justice, we are serving the One who liberates all.