Dear Parishioners,
In the last several days, tragedy struck a man whose name we’ve never heard before: Mr. George Floyd. As people of faith, we condemn this senseless and brutal killing. His death is a failure of justice. It is a failure our nation needs to address and one about which we should raise our prayers. It accentuates issues which we still grapple with: racism and abuse inflicted by persons who are sworn to protect and serve. I will be praying for Mr. Floyd and his grieving family. This egregious act must be met with justice. I hope we will also recognize that a vast majority of law enforcement personnel strive to uphold the highest standard of service which their duties demand.
The violence that has overtaken some of the protests that followed must also be condemned. The perpetrators that warped the peaceful protests that were intended should be brought to justice. They do not reflect what Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. championed. We should all share in a righteous anger over these events, and we need to channel our anger in ways that reflect the best of our faith tradition and nation.
Racism is a scourge to our country. May the death of George Floyd and others who have suffered a similar fate be the catalyst for change. St. Pope Paul VI, whose feast day was celebrated last week (May 29), wrote in his address for World Day of Peace (1972), “If you want peace, work for justice.” This is still true today. We, as Christians, believe that we are called to transform our society into the image of the Kingdom of God. That Kingdom is one of peace.
I have been saddened by the brutal death of George Floyd, the violence that poisoned otherwise peaceful protests, and the lasting effects that marred the cities where destruction and looting occurred. We cannot be deaf or blind to these social issues which have been brewing, and, in some cases, boiling over.
Where does hatred, racism, and the like dwell? In our hearts. It is learned through many complex ways via our families, friends, communities, internet, personal experience, ignorance, and more. Let us pray for a turning of our own hearts where any kind of hatred may dwell. Let us ask for forgiveness when we have participated or nurtured any such thoughts or acts. Let us pray for an infusion of wisdom from the Holy Spirit for those who justify violence and/or looting. May we be inspired by the Holy Spirit to make us effective evangelizers of the Gospel by what we say and do. And as I mentioned earlier, spend a few minutes reading St. Pope Paul VI’s message, “If You Want Peace, Work for Justice.” Let us make sure that George Floyd’s death, and others like his, will be the catalyst for conversion in our own hearts and the renewal of our communities. May we pray that the Prince of Peace will lead us all to a more just society.
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor