January 31, 2021 - "Racism"

On January 18, 2021, we celebrated Martin Luther King Day.  The Maryland Catholic Conference has posted on their website a statement from the Roman Catholic Bishops of Maryland.  I want to share their statement for that occasion with you today.
 
As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day today, we do so with heavy hearts, yet also with hope.
 
The racism, strife, violence, and inequality that have marked our nation over the past year sadly show that we still are a nation divided.  We have not yet achieved the promise of unity and peace envisioned by Rev. King and longed for by so many throughout our nation’s history.
 
This must change.  We must continue to work for unity, dignity, and respect for every person no matter who they are.  We must truly listen to each other, to seek to understand the experiences and the pain suffered by our brothers and sisters and to commit to understanding and to change.  We must see Christ in every person and be Christ in our own actions.
 
The promise of Christ’s love makes this possible.  Our nation can be united if we work together.  As we reflect on the life of Martin Luther King and look ahead, as a nation, to the inauguration of a new President, let each of us commit to work toward a world of unity, peace, and hope.
 
In the words spoken by our predecessor, Archbishop of Washington Patrick O’Boyle, as he stood with the Rev. King at the 1963 March on Washington:
 
“May we be sensitive to our duties toward others as we demand from them our rights.  May we move forward without bitterness, even when confronted with prejudice and discrimination.  May we shun violence, knowing that the meek shall inherit the earth.  But may this meekness of manner be joined with courage and strength so that with Your help, O heavenly Father, and following the teachings of Christ, Your Son, we shall now and in the days to come live together as brothers in dignity, justice, charity, and peace.”
 
I want to close this reflection by sharing Our Family Prayer for Justice and Human Dignity that was written by Cardinal Gregory, Bishop Campbell, Bishop Dorsonville, and Bishop Fisher (now the Bishop of Buffalo, NY):
 
Loving and faithful God, we come to you, Father, to ask that through your Son, Jesus and in communion with the Holy Spirit, you help us the battle against America’s “original sin” of racism that divides us from being the Body of Christ that we are called to be as your children.
 
We implore you to give us your wisdom, so that we may build a community founded on the Gospel message of the life and dignity of all people from the womb to the tomb, and to live in communion like the divine communion of the Holy Trinity.

Bless parents that they may form their children in faith, to love each other regardless of skin color, ethnicity and national origin, just as Jesus loves us.  Bless and protect all of us as we live out our faith in being “instruments of your peace” as St. Francis said.  Fill us with a thirst for justice and righteousness.
 
Hear our prayer and give us the courage, compassion, and perseverance to root out any form of injustice within our communities and to bring the healing love of Christ to all in need.
 
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, hasten to help us and intercede on our behalf, so that our Archdiocese can continue to witness to the Gospel message of life and dignity of all people.  Amen.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John