In Psalm 99 it says that God is equitable. It is an interesting word because it is not the same as equality. Equity is Biblical, it is Christ living among us. It is found in Acts where it talks about each receiving according to their need or according to their ability. We are very quick to talk about all being “equal under the Cross” but that is just not correct.
If you understand the difference between equality and equity then so much more of what Jesus said makes good sense. In every encounter, he gave the person what they needed, he did not give them all of the same things. This seems to have been the problem with the Jewish leadership of His time. They were adamant that everyone was equal. Sadly, those sorts of ideas have a modern ring. “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” is a quote from Orwell’s book Animal Farm. Jesus was adamant that equality was not enough. He gave every person what they needed and some were equal, some not. Remember, “to those who have been given much, much is expected” (Luke 12:48). That is equity.
Perhaps the problem for us is that we have allowed equality to become our liturgy when what was demanded is equity. What would the Church (Universal) look like if we did it Jesus’ way and every person got what they needed? Think of that, those who have a great deal are responsible for sharing with those who don’t have anything. Does that sound like socialism to the American ear? Perhaps. Is it a statement of equity? Absolutely.
The life Jesus lived among us was all about equity. Each person received (and receives today) what they need. Notice this, not what they want, what they need. Perhaps that is the true point of most of our prayers….to find the equitable way. To pray that each person receives the grace they need to make it through the day, through life. Is this not a better way to go about life? Is it more difficult? It is better and it is much more difficult because we have to discern what people need, each one, and not just what we think they should have.
Any parent of more than one child knows that you love each of your kids, but it is not the same is it? Each child is loved but in an individual way, in a way that is personalized to what that child needs. Isn’t that God’s grace in action? It is personal, it is not equal, it is equitable.
TMM