When our children were young, we frequently heard, “It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it!” As adults, insisting on our innocence is still second nature: “If I didn’t start the fight, pollute the river, or own a slave, then why should I take responsibility?” The answer is at the foot of the cross. Who killed Jesus? Not you or me. Pontius Pilate gave the command. Soldiers nailed him to the cross. And religious leaders incited the crowd. But we cannot lay the blame on any one individual or group. Instead, we all participate in the evil of the crucifixion because we all sin.

Sin infects our attitudes, our institutions, our corporations, and our politics. It is called social sin, and it is something for which we are all responsible. Social sin is evident when we see poverty. Human nature often leads the privileged to assume that less privileged people are where they are because of laziness, a poor work ethic, or a lack of ability. We saw this error of thinking in our children and their questions. When our children were young, we rode our bicycles through different neighborhoods. As we rode, our children would ask questions like: “Why don’t these families fix up their homes?” or “Why can’t they find a good job?”

Our family did not cause our neighbors’ poverty. But as Christ’s followers, we must take responsibility to do something about it. Christ’s parable of the last judgment does not leave wiggle room when the Lord says: “Depart from me…for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, a stranger and you gave me no wel- come, naked and you did not give me clothing…What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me (See Matthew 25:41—45).”

So, does this mean all will be right if we donate our old clothes to Goodwill, help build a house with Habitat for Humanity, work at a soup kitchen, and visit the sick — or all of the above? Yes and no. These actions are necessary but not sufficient. No matter how many mouths we feed at the soup kitchen, we must ask ourselves why, when we’re capable of eliminating hunger, do we lack the political will to do so? Why, in this rich country, is there still poverty? The answer often lies in our isolation from the needy. Direct service increases our awareness of needs around us, but then we must take the next step to change the system that allows these needs to continue. Following are ways in which Catholics can make a difference:

First, purify your soul by prayer and fasting. The prayer must be genuine, not self-righteous. Fasting puts us in solidarity with those who do not have the luxury to voluntarily forego food or drink. Second, do not engage in anonymous sinfulness. Racism is not always a result of deliberate maliciousness, but rather a result of allowing an unjust system to continue. By sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing, we are complicit in the neglect of our neighbor.

Third, get to know someone who is poor, a person of color, or someone who is part of an op- pressed minority. It is difficult to move beyond superficial contact to immerse yourself in someone’s story and struggles, but it will sensitize your conscience and give you perspective. And lastly, use this heightened awareness to propel you into social justice. You don’t have to tackle everything. Commit to taking a first step, getting involved in one cause that contributes to systemic change for the common good. Once you know the right things to do, it is wrong to ignore your responsibility. “It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it!” will be your condemnation.

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (6-28-20)
Bringing Home the Word (6-28-20) 
Family Activity Page (6-28-20) 
Home Prayer Service

Pastor’s Note: Even though we cannot gather together right now for praise and worship, we can still pray together. Using the links below, all are invited and encouraged to sanctify the various times of the day with these prayers for God’s mercy, healing, and protection from all illness. Let’s pray together! Ever together in prayer! — Father Jim

Listen: Our Daily Prayers
Liturgy of the Hours
Morning Prayer: Novena to the Sacred Heart
Midday Prayer: The Angelus
Evening Prayer: Saint Joseph, Hope of the Sick
Bedtime Prayer: The Memorare

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Call to Prayer
Litany to Saint Peter
Viva San Pietro!