You would think that in a society that prizes knowledge — in a world shaped by the ability to study the microscopic building blocks of the human person — we would have moved beyond defining people by stereotypes. Yet reality indicates otherwise. It is a sad truth about human nature that we are really good at building walls to divide us from them and nearly not as good at breaking down those walls.

Forwarded emails, written in inflammatory language, make blanket statements about Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, liberals, and conservatives. Neighbors protest in response to a home being built nearby for underprivileged kids or disabled adults. We make assumptions about people’s character based on the way they dress, their political affiliations, or physical characteristics.

We would all like to think that we are the exception to such subtle bigotry. We would like to think that we respect the gift of life in whatever form God gives it — disabili- ties and all — but how many of us answer questions about our unborn children with ‘as long as the baby is healthy’ or forward emails in poor taste?

We readily admit that those people (whoever they may be) are just as important as we are in the eyes of God. But when it comes to making out birthday invitations for our children’s celebrations or expanding our own social circles, does our gaze automatically slide past certain individuals to people who feel a little more…well…like us?

When we separate people into us versus them, we give ourselves permission, however unconsciously, to see them as less than. Jesus asks more from us. In one Gospel story after another, Jesus challenges us to tear down the barriers erected by humanity.

We know that Jesus came for everyone. It is a tenet of our faith. It is a lot easier to say those words, though, than to acknowledge that our hearts are not opened as wide as Jesus’ heart. Saint Paul urges the Galatians not to consider themselves as Jews or Greeks, slave or free, male or female (See Galatians 3:28). A modern litany might speak to race, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

It is not easy to overcome our biases. But nobody ever said following Jesus would be easy. In fact, Jesus made it clear that the Christian journey involves dying to oneself. What also must die is our own unacknowledged prejudices.

About the Author: Kathleen M. Basi is a composer, essayist, musician, and disability rights activist. She is also a wife and mother of four children, one of whom lives with Down Syndrome. Kathleen is a regular contributor to Bringing Home the Word, an e-newsletter that features suggestions for prayer and reflection at home.

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (7-9-23)
Bringing Home the Word (7-9-23)
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