SOCIAL JUSTICE: Just Care for the Poor

Last year, Sara Ramirez, the executive director of Catholic Charities of Central Texas, reminded a gathering of social ministers that we must recognize and distinguish between situational poverty and chronic poverty. “If we don’t address the situational poverty, it will become chronic poverty,” she said. When considering the millions of people measured to be living below the poverty line in the United States, we may sometimes fail to consider the reality that many of them cannot manage to feed their families adequately, even working well over forty hours a week. These situations, if left untreated, can become chronic and dire for families leading to generational poverty. Our diocese is grateful for the work of Catholic Charities, as the agency stands at the forefront of helping people of all faiths, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses to meet the Church’s obligation to the poor.

"Creating Hope" is the mission of Catholic Charities of Central Texas

When we think more deeply about the issue of poverty, we must consider seriously how expressing compassion and effecting justice is crucially important to eradicating poverty in our land. We cannot claim to know and follow Christ and fail to express compassion for the poor. We are reminded that because Christ laid down his life for us, we too must sacrifice ourselves for each other, expressing compassion to all those in need, not only using words, but in deed and in truth (1 Jn 3:16-18). 

The Christian faithful have an obligation to care for those in poverty who are without a voice because “the just care for the cause of the poor” (Prov 29:7). When we say we are pro-life, we must keep ever before us that the poverty is indeed a pro-life issue. This is why our support of Catholic Charities USA is so very important in support of the dignity of human life, the foundational principle of Catholic social teaching.

The work of Catholic Charities serves the needs of all God’s people because we understand there is not one of us who possesses a corner on the market of God’s benevolent grace. God lavishes his grace widely, and so too are we called to give back to him by serving the needs of the human family. Notwithstanding the concrete realities of everyday life, we are called to transform human activity by the Gospel by showing a noble concern for the poor and for social justice (Evangelii Gaudium, 201). 

As we prepare for our Thanksgiving celebrations with our families and friends, let us continue to awaken our consciences to a keen awareness of social responsibility, justice, and solidarity with the poor and the oppressed. Let us remember to continue to go out into the world endeavoring to make a positive difference in the lives of others, a difference that is pleasing to God who does great things for us, a difference that spreads the joy we have received from the Lord. 

May we realize such a powerful witness of the preferential option for the poor that people will exclaim, “The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).

Time Is Filled With Swift Transition

HOLD TO GOD'S UNCHANGING HAND

Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand, 
build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.
 Trust in Him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to Him cling.
Covet not this world’s vain riches that so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures; they will never pass away.
When your journey is completed, if to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory your enraptured soul will view.

This old song from my youth says, "Time is filled with swift transition." One of my favorite hymns, the lyrics are conveying to us that time is passing away from us quite quickly—and one day we will be numbered indeed among the dead. In a section warning against presumption, in the epistle of James, we find that the uncertainty of life, its complete dependence on God, and the necessity of submitting to God’s will all help us to know and to do what is right. I have no idea what my life will be like tomorrow; and I am reminded, "You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears" (4:14). I fervently pray, that when my earthly life is completed, I will enjoy seeing the face of God at the eschatological banquet. May we keep ever before us this certain realization: Only when God is placed first are our lives well spent.

SOCIAL JUSTICE: A Labor of Love

In the various talks I have given around the country over the years, I often refer to Jesus asking Peter whether he loves him (Jn 21:17). Jesus asks us the same question every day, “Do you love me?” It is not a question of faith so much as it is a challenge to a commitment for each of us. If we truly love the Lord, we must take care of one another—we must love one another. Illustrated throughout the Gospel by his words and deeds is the command of Christ to “love one another” (Jn 13:43).

Each November, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sponsors the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection. Through the generosity of Catholics throughout the country, CCHD is able to provide much needed funding to groups whose work reflects Catholic social teaching in terms of the intrinsic dignity of human life. A preeminent objective of CCHD is to fund groups whose very efforts are to effect positive change in the policies and social structures which weaken dignity, particularly for the underprivileged and defenseless. Support of the annual CCHD collection helps the socioeconomically disadvantaged improve their lives, overcome injustice and escape poverty.

Pope Francis reminds us to not allow the spirit of global solidarity to be lost in times of crisis and economic hardship. As Catholics, we are united through the sacraments of initiation; and “the Eucharist commits us to the poor” (CCC, 1397). Participating in the work of CCHD helps us not only to reach out to those on the peripheries, but also to give hope to those in despair. During his Apostolic Visit to the United States in 2015, the Holy Father succinctly reminded the nation through his address to the Joint Session of Congress, “The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes.” When the Christian faithful participates in this national collection, we are actively responding to the clarion call to live out the Gospel values by expressing an authentic priority to alleviate the hardships of the underprivileged and vulnerable as a labor of love.

Everything we have in our lives is a gift; and we know God cannot be outdone in generosity. As we proclaim the gospel of life and justice, celebrating it in the Mass and in our whole existence, may the way we are to be in the communion processional be the way we are in the world because “in prayer, there are no rich or poor, there are sons and daughters, sisters and brothers” (Pope Francis).

If I can help somebody as I pass along,
then my living will not be in vain.
Be courageous!!

SOCIAL JUSTICE: Share the Journey

On Sept. 27, Pope Francis launched Share the Journey, a campaign that helps us focus on our responsibilities as a united global human family. This campaign is an appeal for us to promote a culture of encounter to counteract the culture of indifference that exists in our world. This campaign is intended to strengthen the bonds between migrants and our communities. During October we observe Respect Life Month, and we are reminded to resist the culture of indifference by endeavoring to initiate a culture of fruitful encounter that restores every human person to their rightful dignity as a child of God. Pope Francis reminds us that daily proximity to people’s share of troubles enables us “to practice the commandment of love, not on the basis of ideas or concepts, but rather on the basis of genuine interpersonal encounter.”

Share the Journey with Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin

While recognizing the harsh realities that conversations about migrants and asylum seekers in American society causes fear and division — even among “church-going” people — and considering that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees who fled the violence of Herod, could it be possible that we would be more understanding of their plight because we know their story? Fruitful encounter is so very important because it reminds us of our Christian responsibility to ensure that all persons, regardless of status, have inherent human dignity that must be respected.

We are called to lead by example by contributing ourselves individually and collectively not by mutual exclusion, but by equality in dignity. The Share the Journey campaign is important because it is about human dignity. This campaign compels us to appreciate the sacred dignity of migrants and refugees as children of God, recognizing that life is sacred, regardless of the color of our skin, our ethnicity, or our nationality. After all, are we not tasked with reminding our communities that we all sit around the Eucharistic table without regard to the distinctions of nationality, ethnicity, age, gender, or whatever labels society uses to divide us?

Let us pray for a just solution to mitigate the fear, uncertainty and terror that finds itself as a part of the migrant and refugee experience in the U.S. As we continue to bring the message of Christ to all people, we must continue to ask the God of wisdom and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, to assist with counsel and fortitude all government leaders. Let us continue, in keeping with the instruction given in the first epistle to Timothy, to pray for our nations, legislatures, members of parliaments and all who are in authority (2:1-3), that they may reject the temptation of indifference and adopt sincere hearts of encounter.

May the great challenges that are facing our communities today, and in our future, be met as great opportunities! May the Mother of God, through her never-failing intercession, always watch over us, with all our blessed diversity, as we strive to do the work of her Son in this world. May our work be in perfect harmony with the eternal teachings of Christ, and may the Gospel message come alive through each of us this Respect Life Month and forever!

SOCIAL JUSTICE: Speak Out Against Racism

The tragic events of Charlottesville, Virginia, have revealed again the prevalence of racism in the U.S. Almost 60 years ago, the U.S. bishops spoke out against discrimination and enforced segregation in the 1968 document “National Race Crisis,” in which the bishops called for us to eradicate racism from society. In the 1950s and 1960s, various branches of the federal government wrestled with laws and policies restricting equal protection. Some bishops found themselves fighting the architects of division, racism and separation. We are still fighting these battles today.

Undoubtedly, this is a very uncomfortable topic for people in our pews. However, “Racism is a sin, a sin that divides the human family, blots out the image of God among specific members of that family and violates the fundamental human dignity of those called to be children of the same Father” (Brothers and Sisters to Us, 1979). Many of us have remained quiet and on the sidelines of issues that affect the whole family of faith. 

Catholics pride ourselves on being intrinsically pro-life. During the 1999 Apostolic Visit of St. John Paul II in St. Louis, as he challenged us to be unconditionally pro-life, he also directed us “to put an end to every form of racism.” Being pro-life means we must always stand up for the uncomfortable “right and just” as opposed to merely remaining silent in the face of the inherent “wrong.” Being pro-life also means working toward the eradication of racism from our society. 

Considering the entrenched divisions between the Jewish and Samaritan communities, Jesus was clear about our responsibility to others in the parable of the Good Samaritan. We know very well that “every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights on the grounds of sex, race, color, social conditions, language or religion must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design” (Gaudium et Spes, 29). We have to stand up, speak out and work toward the unity that St. Paul speaks of, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph 4:5). 

Every day of my life, I look at my black face in the mirror. At the age of 40, I know very well that blacks among others have not made it over. Regardless of our ethnicity, we must recognize the certain reality that every day is a process of continual, ongoing conversion. The anthem of the Civil Rights movement remains our objective: to overcome some day. Bigotry, violence and racism should never be tolerated. 

So, as we praise God for another day, we should also recall the words of Jesus to “Do to others whatever you would have them to do you” (Mt 7:12). For Christ to increase, we must stand up to be witnesses to the saving power of God. We will overcome prejudice, racism, intolerance and bias when we stand up and speak out. Life seen as self-centered earthly existence and lived in denial of Christ ends in destruction. Let not our silence be construed as tacit approval.

SOCIAL JUSTICE: Respect Life

In October of each year is observed Respect Life Month in Catholic parishes across our great nation. This annual observance provides a special time to focus on the truth and dignity of the human person. 

Past Supreme Lady Geralyn C. Shelvin and I attend the
Youth Rally and Mass for Life at the Verizon Center in 2012

Watching television, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper, and perusing online news magazines will present in a very real way just how much an increasingly secular society is constantly attempting to compete with our holiness. Considering that we live in a largely sophisticated society, sometimes we are left trying to make sense of varying incongruences to the culture of life, such as, law enforcement officers assaulting unarmed civilians, a young man walking into a place of worship to kill people during prayer in South Carolina, a man murdering journalists during a live interview in Virginia, legalized abortion, and capital punishment.

In our culture, human life is repeatedly under assault. From the very moment of conception to natural death, life is threatened because our society has lost the true meaning of humanity, respect and basic human dignity. We must never lose sight of the fact that Christ became flesh so that we may come to know God’s beneficent love (1 John 4:9) and to make us “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Saint John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae explains to us that “it is an absolute imperative to respect, love and promote the life of every brother and sister, in accordance with the requirements of God’s bountiful love in Jesus Christ” (n. 77).

Each of us was made in the image and likeness of God, and so we must affirm the intrinsic value of human life and the dignity of every human being in a way that transforms the culture of secular society. This priority is not limited to any “particular” human life. Rather, the priority is to affirm the dignity of “every” human life because every human life has value. Pope Francis reminds us, “All life has inestimable value even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor.” Every life should be worth living, no matter the circumstances. 

We must remember that being pro-life encompasses the serious concerns of extensive hunger, poverty, homelessness, violence, euthanasia, capital punishment, and the absence of adequate health care. We cannot support those who promote widespread abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and the many other ills that destroy the dignity of human life, who at the same time claim that they are personally opposed to the evils they support or endorse. We cannot continue to allow those who claim a belief in “choice” to escape the moral responsibility to “choose life.”

Evangelium Vitae presents unequivocally that we are “to preach the Gospel of life, to celebrate it in the Liturgy and in our whole existence, and to serve it with the various programs and structures which support and promote life” (79). The way we are—supposed to be—in the communion processional during the Holy Eucharist is the way we must be in the world every day. Be encouraged to overtly participate in programs and initiatives that defend the dignity of every human life. May we never forget that Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Let us take seriously our moral obligation to defend human life at every stage and every age from conception to natural death.

Edmundite Father Michael P. Jacques

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Edmundite Father Michael P. Jacques

In Baltimore for the National Black Catholic Congress Board Meeting, I received word this morning that Edmundite Father Michael Jacques, pastor of Saint Peter Claver Church of New Orleans, has died.

 

According to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Father Jacques was admitted to the hospital Thursday after an apparent heart attack. He died overnight. "Father Mike," as many of his parishioners fondly called him, was instrumental in the growth and development of the parish church.

 

I am deeply shocked and greatly saddened to learn of the death of Father Jacques. We were scheduled to be together in San Diego tomorrow for the meeting of the African-American Affairs Subcommittee of the USCCB Secretariat on Cultural Diversity where each of us serves as consultants. Having looked forward to the opportunity to be with him this weekend, I am sure that his death will overshadow our gathering.

Remembering Our Mothers

"We believe that the Holy Mother of God,
the new Eve, Mother of the Church,

continues in heaven to exercise her maternal role
on behalf of the members of Christ."

(Pope Paul VI, Credo of the People of God § 15)

As we celebrate Mother's Day tomorrow (Sunday, May 12), we reflect on the great and special love a mother has for her children. In light of our faith---at least for me---I am left to consider not only the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Christ, but also the love of God our Father. When we truly think about the authentic love of a mother for her children, without difficulty we see a reflection of the love God has for his people.

Raising children involves obedience and patience from both parents and children. No doubt, at times a child has a special way of getting on that "last nerve" (and I know because I am that child)!This morning (Saturday, May 11) I spent some time in prayer at an abortion clinic with many joyful Christians, Protestant and Catholic, who support life. This opportunity stood as a visible sign not only of celebrating the glory and dignity of human life, but also praying for the mothers/families that choose life and praying for those who are unable to see hope in their circumstances.

A parent conveyed, "It is not easy being a mother sometimes" Commenting further, she said, "Then again, love means selflessness." Well, we will never be able to understand exactly what people are truly going through in their lives, but we have a obligation to encourage them. Following the example of Jesus, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles reminds us, "As Jesus was obedient to his Father's commands, we have to be obedient to Jesus' commands... [especially] when those teachings are hard or inconvenient." We must choose life. In choosing life, we are choosing to love. Jesus commands us to love.

We must always look to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who "advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross, where she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, grieving exceedingly with her only begotten Son, uniting herself with a maternal heart with his sacrifice, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this Victim which she herself had brought forth." (Lumen Gentium, 54). With all the joys and anguish that come over the years, the incredible sacrifice is a "labor of love" which knows no end. Many observe that the delight and agony a mother feels is just as poignant whether the child is an adult or an adolescent.

In addition to feeding, clothing, loving and providing shelter for her children, a mother possesses the tremendously awesome responsibility to raise her children in the faith. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches all forms of catechesis; and as such, the first church is in the home. God bless our mothers for teaching us, leading us, and not only giving us life, but also showing us the path to life.

Habemus Papam: Pope Francis

Today, Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born December 17, 1936, was elected as the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He will go by the papal name Francis. Bergoglio is the first pope ever elected from South America. Prior to his election, he served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2001.

 

We join the universal church in assuring the Holy Father of our heartfelt prayers as we—the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary—will always pray for his strength and broad shoulders to accept the responsibility to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Let us be the first to congratulate Pope Francis on many fruitful years of faithful service to the universal church and the world.

 

The election of Pope Francis, through the grace of Almighty God, is glorious evidence that there is never ground for losing hope.

About Me

I am the Sixteenth Supreme Knight and Chief Executive Officer of the Knights of Peter Claver. The Most Worthy Supreme Knight was born in Mobile on January 22, 1977. I attended Saint Bernard Preparatory School at Saint Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama and graduated from John L. LeFlore High School of Communication and Arts in Mobile. Having felt a call to the priesthood, I studied briefly at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Saint Benedict, Louisiana. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Columbia College of Missouri, Touro University, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, I holds undergraduate and graduate degrees to include an MBA in Public Management and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries.

A Benedictine Oblate—a lay person formally associated to a particular monastery who seeks to live a life in harmony with the spirit of Saint Benedict as revealed in the Rule of Saint Benedict and its contemporary expression—I served in the United States Army Chaplains’ Corps. Military assignments include Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Fort Jackson in South Carolina, Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, and the Republic of Korea. In addition to my service in the United States Army Chaplains’ Corps, I have served as choral director, pianist, organist, or music director for various parishes throughout the Southeast and in Korea.

I believe the key to getting through to the youth is to meet them where they are, regardless of their stations in life. Love them unconditionally, regardless of their mistakes; and do not judge them. We must show the compassion of our almighty Father. A champion of Catholic education, I have endeavored to be a stalwart mentor to youth. Mariana Delany, a former student who is now a freshman at Vanderbilt University, said, “While teenage problems are often dismissed as melodrama, Mr. Blackmon would never ignore them. No matter how small the problems students took to him, he always gave them the respect of his attention, and made us feel, not only that we mattered, but that we were special, that we were human beings endowed with the dignity of God’s creation, entitled to love, respect, and attention.” In response to this, Ann Catherine Lopez responds, “I thank him for his love and his patience, goodness, kindness...yeah all that jazz. I love him so much and I'm pretty sure, he is one of the best things that's ever happened to me.”

I am married to Gracious Lady Kanobia A. Russell-Blackmon of Mobile, an executive producer for WAFF-48, the NBC affiliate in Huntsville. I am an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver, the National Black Catholic Congress Board, the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life Board of Consultants, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, the National Association for Lay Ministry, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, National Association for Music Education, the Alabama Vocal Association, the American Legion, and the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.