Righteous Indignation

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

My emotions have been tumultuous lately, not just because of the stress of child-rearing or the hormonal imbalances that come with aging, but because of the righteous indignation swelling inside my heart for the injustices I witness daily.

From senseless wars to the unfair treatment of migrants and asylum seekers, from the oppression of tyrants to the seeming victory of injustice… it all weighs heavily on me.

There are moments when I want to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to what’s happening beyond my own little world, to focus solely on motherhood and raising my family, because that, in itself, is already overwhelming.

But I can’t.

I think of the countless mothers like me who are separated from their children, of children losing parents to war, of international students and researchers like my husband whose futures remain uncertain, and of the many suffering under oppressive regimes.

No matter how much I want to be unbothered, I am deeply affected by all that is happening around me.

My Filipino mother, though an American citizen, is not immune to prejudice because of her skin color.

My husband is a scientist whose work depends on funding from institutions, including government bodies, whose priorities can be so uncertain.

And my heart cannot be hardened against the plight of brothers and sisters who face attacks and harassment from those who ought to show mercy and grace.

In the midst of my questions about why unrighteousness and injustice seem to prevail, I find encouragement in the stories of the Bible.

These stories remind me that while suffering is real and pervasive in this broken world, we can take heart because the One True King and Ruler has already overcome it all and He reigns supreme.

Time and again, the Bible shows how evil, prideful leaders who exalt themselves are eventually humbled, punished, and removed from power.

The people of Israel were freed from the oppressive Pharaoh of Egypt through Moses.

Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty king of Babylon, was humbled by God’s hand – his pride brought him low, and he was driven to live among wild animals.

Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s successor, who blasphemed God and exalted himself against the Lord of Heaven, was judged by the famous “writing on the wall” and met his end.

These are just a few examples of many biblical leaders who remind us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled.

Psalm 37:35–36 says:

“I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.”

Isaiah 14:5-6 proclaims:

“The Lord has broken the rod of the wicked, the scepter of rulers, that struck down the peoples with unceasing blows, that ruled the nations with relentless persecution.”

These verses assure us that wicked rulers will not endure forever.

So when the news fills me with anger toward selfish, corrupt, cruel, and oppressive leaders, I breathe deeply and remind myself: justice will come.

These things will pass.

A righteous and just God reigns over all, compassionate to the broken, a Father to the fatherless, a Shepherd to the lost, and a Provider for the poor and homeless.

He alone is King of kings, Ruler of all nations. And I cling to His promise that one day, upon His return, pain, suffering, and oppression will be no more.

Until then, I will endure. I will hope. I will keep on praying for the nations.