Some villagers were shocked to see babies floating down a stream in their town. They hurried to rescue the babies, but more babies came floating down and more rescues were made. Finally, one of the villagers said;"Let's go upstream and find out who is throwing these babies into the river.

Somewhat the same happened to me. I had learned by heart Matthew 25:31-46 -- "I was hungry and you gave me to eat...." As a nurse, I had spent thirty-plus years caring for the sick, comforting the sorrowful, calming expectant mothers in labor, binding up wounds.

However, when I retired from nursing, I reflected further on Scripture in light of social justice documents, and I was deeply moved by a presentation by Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit. I then made a natural transition from Matthew to embrace:

• Isaiah 58:6 -- "Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice..." and
• Micah 6:8 -- "Do what is just."

Thus I became an advocate for justice and peace, trying by word and action to eliminate the root causes of injustice.

My faith reflections moved me "upstream."