Friday, July 10, 2020

What Can You Do About It?

Dear Parishioners,

I teach a class at Catholic University to seminarians about ministry. They are going into a vocation that is guided by the idea of service to others in their roles as pastors, teachers, and administrators. It is fundamental to our Christian identity and at the heart of evangelization. Christ poured himself out for others. He gave all of his life in the service of others. We are all to follow his example.

In giving to others, most of the time, the other person we are serving is different than us. Maybe they come from a different state with somewhat different cultural norms. Or they are different ages than us, or a different gender and subsequent different outlook on life issues, or their racial background is different than our own. However, an important idea that helps to mediate our service to others is the idea that we are all children of God made in the image of God. I look at the soul as that part of us that contains the fire that God put into it. He has kindled a piece of himself, and it resides in our soul.

Of course, we also manifest God’s likeness. Women, men, children, Asians, African Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, seniors, youth, babies: we all have been created in the image of God. The idea, I think, means that God goes beyond the color of our skin or the type of hair we have or the language we speak. It goes beyond the habits we engage in due to our culture and background. We all reflect somehow the parentage of God (and this is the miracle only God can perform) just as a child looks a little like both of his or her parents. We, as well, all imitate God somehow in how we are.

This brings me to a risky question. How are you with your Godly sisters and brothers? If we are all children of God, how are you treating and serving others, not just your family but others in your neighborhood? The protests around the country are calling to mind that some of us in this family of God’s children are victims of racism and not being treated justly. I am asking myself where am I with that, and what can I do about it. I ask you the same.

Blessings,
Deacon Steve