Finding Justice & Unity

As Catholics and Americans, we – like many others right now – are caught up in both turmoil and compassion, suffering and hope. Gradually some of us are returning to public
life after months of staying home whenever possible, looking forward to experiencing a return to the Eucharist and our faith communities. Yet the unconscionable asphyxiation of
George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer has reminded us yet again of the ugly face of prejudice and inhumane treatment many of our brothers and sisters still experience
because of the color of their skin. We are righteously upset by the brutality and injustice of such acts by some Americans on a regular basis, as well as the criminal behavior of
some in our own state and beyond who take advantage of the unrest to commit other acts of violence and rioting.

Cardinal Seán has reminded us in a recent statement that the killing of Mr. Floyd “is both morally wrong and must be legally prosecuted.” This should be obvious but needs to be stated. Publicly recognizing something is wrong and then handling it accordingly are two of the foundation blocks of a just society, and our ability to trust one another and our leaders. Thankfully what was done by one officer with others looking on is not the way most law enforcement officers try to treat the people they are called to serve and
protect. Our Cardinal continued, “As a nation we entrust power, even lethal force, to our government and its representatives in law enforcement. But there are both moral and
legal limits to how force can be used. If officers of the law use force in the way millions of us saw in an eight-minute video, then trust in the government, in the law and in the
legal system is deeply wounded.” Sadly, there is a well-documented history over decades of African American men who died at the hands of police officers. Peaceful protests,
civil discourse and legislative action are ways of promoting the systemic change needed. Cardinal Seán’s statement ended by addressing the fact some people have resorted to violence.   “I can understand the frustration, but I must strongly oppose those methods. For any of us, the singular voice of Dr. Martin Luther King still rings true: ‘Darkness cannot
drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’”

This week we celebrated St. Mary as “Mother of the Church”. The virgin Mary was not timid – she was a very strong person from her youth, having the courage to say “yes” to God, despite the fear and uncertain future. She walked the way of the Cross with her son, where only one of his apostles, St. John, had the courage to stand with her. So, Jesus gave his Blessed Mother to John and to all of us as our mother, Mother of the Church. We need her example, her faith, her courage walking through the challenges of our lives. We need her motherly care for those who are hurting, to those who are unjustly treated. We need her intercession to bring us together to heal our community. As we celebrate the Holy Trinity this Sunday, we remember we are made in the image and likeness of that community of love: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. United in faith and love, we pray for
greater justice and restored peace in our nation, our communities, our Church, and in all our hearts.