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Join The Discussion to End Racism
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In their pastoral letter against racism, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love”, the Catholic bishops of the United States invite conversion of hearts, minds, and institutions in order to address the evil of racism that still exists in our communities. By our baptism, we are members of Christ’s body and sharers in his mission. Imitating Christ, we must care for all members of our communities, honoring each person as unique, sacred, and created in the image of God.
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See, judge, act
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Over the next six months, as a parish we will journey together to address racism through, Education and Discussion (See), Prayer and Reflection (Judge) and Awareness Building and Action (Act), following the program provided by the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Human Dignity and the USCCB. Our Lenten parish mission will be the culmination of this journey.
How do we talk to our friends, our families, and our children about race, justice and equity in society? How do we make sense of current events through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching? How do we engage each other in meaningful discussion and effect positive change?
The “Open Wide Our Hearts” program is designed to help us ponder these questions within our small group settings, (Community for the Kingdom, CHRP, ministry groups, family units, etc.). Each month we will delve into a new section of the accompanying study guide sections through discussion, reflection, prayer and action.- Read and reflect on the pastoral letter “Open Wide Our Hearts” (Oct)
- What is Racism? (Nov)
- Do Justice (Dec)
- Love Goodness (Jan)
- Walk Humbly with God (Feb)
- Conclude with the Parish Lenten Retreat
Let us all allow the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts to do the work of healing, so we may live authentically in true relationship to one another. Let the fruit of this conversion be evident in our full celebration and integration of ethnic and cultural diversity, which is truly a gift from God.
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Open Wide Our Hearts - Love Goodness
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In Luke 10:25-37, the question is posed, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus is ready, answering with a parable. Jesus often used parables to shed light, bring new insights, and provoke a change in the hearts of listeners. We hear that someone is robbed, beaten and injured. Two walked by, ignoring the injured man, but a third came to the man’s aid, caring for his wounds and securing him safe lodging. He was the good neighbor. He was acting like Jesus, doing what God required.
Keeping this in mind, consider the scenario we are witnessing today as racism persists in our communities and in our churches. Too many walk by the victims of racism without looking deeply at their wounds or the pain inflicted on them. Many of these wounds have festered over centuries. Today’s continuing disparities in education, housing, employment, economic well-being, and leadership are not disconnected from our country’s history of slavery and systemic racism. Any act of racism injures the perpetrator and the victim, threatening the dignity of both. The failure to act to end systemic racism, which is often animated in our laws, policies, and structures, hurts those who are victimized and denies all of us the opportunity to benefit from the gifts of diversity.
Jesus’ parable calls us to our obligations as Christians, to be a good neighbor: the one who stops and helps the injured; the one who does not hesitate to accept the responsibility of healing.-
from A Prayer Service for Racial Healing in Our Land from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Prayer for January
God of Heaven and Earth, you created the one human family and endowed each person with great dignity.
Aid us, we pray, in overcoming the sin of racism.
Grant us your grace in eliminating this blight from our hearts, our communities, our social and civil institutions.
Fill our hearts with love for you and our neighbor so that we may work with you in healing our land from racial injustice.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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