Changing The World Involves All Of Us
I write this article just four days before departing with various representatives of our diocese to participate in World Youth Day, in Krakow, Poland, where I should be at the time of its publication in The Message. The ever-increasing acts of violence that seem to be polarizing our country and captivating every media outlet in the land permeate every fabric of society in the United States. Some of the more notable media coverage has focused on the killing of black men (i.e. Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Ferguson, New York and St. Paul-Minneapolis), police officers (i.e. New York, Dallas and Baton Rouge) and targeted groups (i.e. San Bernardino and Orlando). In response to the most recent act of such violence, the following statement was released by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on July 18:
“I offer my prayers for the officers and families affected by the horrible
shooting in Baton Rouge. We find ourselves amid a prolonged prayer of lament
as we join to console the grieving and support the suffering. People are suffering
because their uniform is blue, suffering because their skin is black and suffering
simply because of their station in life.
“The temptation to respond to violence with violence is strong. Even St.
Peter himself lashed out upon the arrest of our beloved Savior. Jesus’ response
was clear. ‘Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will
perish by the sword’ (MT. 26:52). As followers of Christ, let us always embrace
love and ask ourselves how we can best invite all people of good will to live with
us in peace.
“The reasons for so much suffering are complex and varied. As a society,
we must come together to address the linger evil of racism, the need to safeguard
our citizens from the present danger of extremism and the overall breakdown of
civility. As a Church, we will seek out ways to foster this life-saving dialogue.
Answers will not come easily nor as quickly as we need. We must continue
searching and listening until they do.
“As we seek a dialogue that cultivates a true respect for every human being, we should also seeks ways, large and small, to be a sign of hope in the everyday
routines of life. The next time you are pulled over by a police officer or walk past
one on the street, thank him or her for their service. For those in law enforcement, the next time you make a traffic stop, thank the person for their time. The task of building a society upon the strong foundation of love begins with each one of us
every day.”
This brief statement makes clear that it is incumbent upon each and every member of society to make a difference. Each person is either a part of the solution or a part of the problem. This is one dance that no citizen can sit out. This is especially true for Christians, particularly the baptized, who are called to witness to the sacredness of life and mercy of God in the name of Jesus Christ. This witness begins not so much on the large stages of life as with those daily challenges that afford us the opportunity to respond rather than to react to others. Christian witness is not limited to Sunday worship, retreats, service projects or other forms of church gatherings. How we act on the road, at the mall, in the grocery store, or in the stands at a ballgame reveal the true nature of one’s Christian discipleship. How we treat others, especially those who are different or in opposition to us, truly matters. When returning insult for insult, no one wins. Rendering an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth ultimately results is futility and chaos. As difficult as it might be, the bleeding has to stop. Simply put, although the “reasons for so much suffering are complex and varied,” we need to learn how to “play nice.”
Pope Francis has spoken often about the essential need for dialogue, accompaniment and compassion. While the worldly tend to view such behavior as weak or vulnerable, these are the hallmarks of heroic witness for those who seek to follow the way of Jesus Christ. If we are to imitate Him, we must be instruments of peace, healing, reconciliation, justice and mercy. As Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI has pointed out, we must seek not so much to possess the Truth as to be possessed by Truth itself. This is made possible by an ongoing commitment to prayer and a willingness to make sacrifices for the good of others. It is also absolutely necessary that we teach and model civility to our children. Mutual respect and dialogue are essential to healthy relationships in families, societies and all aspects of community. If we are to encounter the grace of forgiveness and understanding, humility is a key ingredient.
I recall a presentation by a Holy Cross priest, given some years ago. The priest spoke about how Jesus had taken upon himself the sins of the world for our salvation. He commented that Jesus basically allowed himself to absorb all the effects of the violence, injustice, hatred, rage and evil that existed among humanity. Rather than allowing it to spread to others, he chose to take all these effects on the cross with Him. There they would be nailed to die with Him. Though Jesus would rise on the third day, the lasting effects of humanity’s sinfulness would remain nailed to the cross. The priest then pointed out that this is the calling of every Christian. Like Jesus, we must be willing to absorb rather than spread the effects of violence, injustice and evil. It must end with us, as it did with Him. It is only through the cross, the only true weapon against evil, that we may rise victorious. Though we must suffer for a little while, the cross must ultimately give way to the power of resurrection. In Jesus alone do we find the Way, the Truth and the Life.
