Dear Parishioners and Friends,
I have received many positive comments about the homily I gave last weekend on the Gospel account of the greatest commandment, and how we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. Many people told me that it was a message we need to hear at times, but especially at this particular moment. Although I am writing this message on Election Day Eve, I hope that our nation, guided by over 200 years of democratic ideals, will find healing and unity going forward. May our better angels guide us away from the animosity which has been so prevalent in our society, and give us hope for a more promising future. In part, this is what I said:
“Our Franciscan brother, Roberto Gonzalez, the Archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico, wrote an open letter this past week, condemning a “joke” made at a rally in Madison Square Garden by a so-called comedian who referred to Puerto Rico as an island of garbage. Archbishop Roberto said that the comedian’s remarks “do not promote a climate of equality, fraternity, and goodwill among and for all women and men of every race, color, and way of life, which is the foundation of the American dream … These kinds of remarks should not be a part of the political discourse of a civilized society.”
I firmly agree with the Archbishop, and I hope you do as well. Our Christian principles and ethics are being put to the test as never before. The language of hatred is all too prevalent in our society today, from political speech to online bullying. It seems that many people who call themselves Christian have forgotten the Biblical mandate to love one another, and that one’s neighbor isn’t just the person who looks and acts just like them, but who is a fellow human being, deserving of respect.
If our nation wishes to have a long life and to grow and prosper as Moses envisioned for the ancient Israelites, then we must find ways to put the commandments to love God and our neighbor into concrete action, not by mere lip service, but by turning away from attitudes of racism and superiority or by treating one another as “other.” Instead, let us try to put the “us” back into the U.S.”
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor
