Week 5

In this podcast, Paulist Father Dave Dwyer discussed viewing ourselves as one family of God.  Listen here and consider these questions:

When you consider the human race as one family, what does that look like to you? How can the ways we resolve issues in our own families be applied to the large family God created?

God’s justice seems counter to a human system with classes or caste.   How would God’s justice change your life in terms of everyday events?

Father Dave says “It’s not fair for only part of the population to feel afflicted.”   How can we work to achieve balance in our society so that no one segment feels afflicted? How can we listen to those who are afflicted to see things from their perspective?

 

A few weeks ago, we featured St. Damien of Molokai.  This film about his life is now available at formed.org   To gain access, simply sign up and choose Our Lady of the Presentation for free access. 

To deal with the leprosy problem in the Hawaiian Islands in 1872, sufferers were relentlessly exiled to Molokai, a barren isle off the coast. There they lived in miserable surroundings, abandoned by the outside world. To alleviate their fate, Father Damien was the first priest to go to Molokai. His bishop's last words were that "he must not touch anyone." Little by little, Damien earned the trust of the lepers, and eventually, his appeals for nuns and supplies resonated throughout the world, much to the displeasure of his superiors. Even when Damien got sick himself, his energy did not abate, and he carried on working for the well-being of his "fellow lepers" to the end. When he crumbled during Mass, he was taken to his own hospital to die. All the residents gathered at the entrance to pray for their Father.

Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J. is a native of Haiti and a member of the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus.  In this article, he offers suggestions for Catholics who work for racial justice.

Questions for Reflection

Do you know who Christian Cooper is?   What happened to him in Central Park?

Pope Francis reminds us that racism is a pro-life issue.   Where do you think most people place racism on a prolife spectrum?   Why?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is quoted in the article: “true peace is not a mere absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.  Pope Paul IV said, “if you want peace, work for justice.”   How do you see yourself and others in our community working for justice?

As the article says, we know injustices exist; he argues that our nation has already gone through the first three steps of reconciliation.   Do you think that is true?  If so, why?  If not, why not?

What is the difference between being “responsible” for injustice and being “accountable” for injustice?
If statements from the Church are not enough, what steps do you believe the Church should be taking in solidarity against racism?  Consider writing a letter to your bishop or pastor expressing your thoughts.

How is racism like a virus?

Are you wondering how you can advocate for social change?   This document from Equity Literacy Institute offers suggestions.