Third Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners,

    Recently, a speaker at a forum held at a local church caused quit an uproar.  He espoused racist views that were bigoted toward people of color and towards Jews.  A couple days later racist literature was place on people’s lawns in Bettendorf. 

     I was at a gathering at local college a few days later that was a celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The college president took the opportunity to denounce racism.  I was heartened by his words.  He prefaced his remarks by apologizing for making a political statement.

I agreed with his sentiments whole heartedly, but I would add one thing.  Racism and bigotry are not political.  They may be used to get votes by stoking fear in people, but this is not just a question of politics. 

Race bating is a moral and ethical outrage.  It is just wrong.  Racism can never be tolerated.  It violates the moral principles of the human dignity of every person and the belief that we must be concerned about the common good of all humanity.  It flies in the face of principle of solidarity. It violates almost every moral norm.

Racism also is an affront to religious beliefs.  As Christian people we follow Jesus Christ.  We are his disciples.  He taught that we are to love our neighbor.  He interacted with other races and faiths and saw good in each person.

If someone makes a remark that denigrates immigrants or those of other nations, we should object. I have been caught in situations where people have made racist remarks. I have caught myself on the edge of saying things that are not charitable about other groups of people. It is easy to go along with the crowd or to be silent. I think with the events of recent years I need to examine my conscience once again in this regard.  As soon as I get smug and think I am innocent of racism I do and say things I shouldn’t.  It is so easy to commit this sin.

Advent is a time to reform our lives. Racism is something we cannot tolerate within ourselves or within society.  As people of faith we need to say that out loud. 

If good people push back, we can hope for a better future for our world. Jesus says his Kingdom will come.  May we live in that Kingdom.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark