I have given up retaliation for lent. As I contemplate Christ’s tight-lipped acceptance of his unjust and cruel demise, I have a new window into the cross – the one he bore, the one we are called to bare. Injustices happen to all of us on an everyday basis – some consequential, most not. What would the world look like – what would MY world look like – if I chose to let go of my “right” to stand up for myself in the midst of said injustices? What if I chose to forgive, be quiet, overlook, stop caring, about these things?

It would mean that I don’t have to honk and shake my fist at other drivers. It means I don’t need to act indignant or perturbed when the sales clerk is less than helpful and I have to help myself. It means I no longer speak cross words or even think cross thoughts when my spouse doesn’t do something to my liking. It means I shrug my shoulders at humanity, shake my head and smile at stupidity, it means I return rudeness with kindness and self-centeredness with generosity.

During this experiment, I am guessing there are physiological benefits for me as well, such as lowered blood pressure and a slower heart rate. My stress level settle down. There is a peacefulness and joy in my spirit – a gentle touch of his presence. By choosing to not get even, my spirit evens out. The ridiculousness and pettiness that drives me to scream, “Not fair!” is exposed. By letting go, I become vulnerable, weak, but submissive.

Injustice was settled once and for all with the resurrection – the lamb who was slain has absorbed all debt for all time. I don’t need to worry my little head over settling the insignificant wrongs done to me. And that makes everything seem right.