'We Are Better Than This'

In his last homily to the U.S. Bishops, as USCCB President, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz recalled a common comment by his mother whenever he did something wrong.  She would simply say to him, "That's beneath your dignity."  During his homily at evening prayer, on the day following the recent presidential elections, in response to the chaos stirred by campaign rhetoric of massive deportation of immigrants and subsequent riots, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles commented, "We are better than this."  

    All racism, hatred, bullying, disrespect and lack of civility are beneath our dignity.  We must be better than such behavior as both individuals and communities.  Clearly, there is an urgent need for healing of wounds, building bridges, engaging in dialogue, lifting up the broken-hearted, accompanying those in need, tending to anxieties, alleviating fears and advocating for justice tempered with mercy.   While seeking to hold up and celebrate all that is good, beautiful and true, we must also have the courage to confront evil in all its forms.  There can be no legitimate room or tolerance for racism in a truly just society for any nation.  Given our basic Catholic principle of belief in the dignity of every human being as created in the image of God, we must avoid any type of rhetoric that attempts to demonize another individual or group of persons.

    Rather than fear or suspicion toward those who differ from one another--whether in color, creed, ethnicity, language, orientation or opinion--we must make every effort to embrace opportunity and face challenges to realize our unity as a single human family.  Universality is one of the great attributes of Catholicism, enabling the Church to transcend every culture and society while existing within practically every society and culture.  Thus, in keeping with the supreme law known as "salvation of souls," the Church has a key role to play in the healing and reconciliation of people in our country as well as in every nation of the world.  It is little wonder that Pope Francis often refers to the Church as a "field hospital."  This mission of the Church, as entrusted by Jesus Christ, is incumbent upon every baptized member.  There is far more that unites rather than divides us.  Of course, our unity is contingent upon mutual respect, dialogue, trust, openness and appreciation.

    With faith in the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we need not fear even death.  Nothing the powers of the world can throw at us is greater than the power of God to save, redeem and raise up.  We look to the cross as not just some obstacle along the way to be avoided at all costs, but as the means of salvation.  It is our path to life, victory and everlasting communion with God and one another.  The very word compassion means “to suffer with.”  The attitude of the Church, including all its members, must be that of Jesus Christ.  We must be moved with compassion rather than hate, fear or intolerance toward one another.

    As Pope Francis has remarked, authentic Christians are moved by courage and compassion to build bridges rather than walls.  This does not mean that we need to let down our guard as we strive for immigration reform and maintain a spirit of empathy for those in need.  Many throughout the world are undergoing great persecution, even suffering gruesome forms of torture and death.  This includes Christians and non-Christians.  Consequently, many are being forced to flee from their beloved homeland because of such persecution, poverty and other forms of injustice.  Here in our own country, many have sought refuge, a better life and to be reunited with family.  Many, immigrants and citizens, fear for their lives, their families and their friends amid a growing culture of hatred, intolerance, violence and indifference.  Many fear deportation, prejudice, violence and abuse.  Making America great should not entail a sense of meanness, hostility or indifference toward the plight of our brothers and sisters in need.  To offset the ever increasing sense of fear and anxiety, there is an urgent need for concrete acts of solidarity, compassion, justice and mercy on the part of all people of faith.  To turn away from or against the dignity of another is to act beneath one's own dignity, and we are better than this.