By Lucas Holt | For On Mission
Before we look at the issue of racism, we first must know what it is that we are talking about. In the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter Open Wide Our Hearts, we read this definition:
“Racism arises when — either consciously or unconsciously — a person holds that his or her own race or ethnicity is superior, and therefore judges persons of other races or ethnicities as inferior and unworthy of equal regard. When this conviction or attitude leads individuals or groups to exclude, ridicule, mistreat, or unjustly discriminate against persons on the basis of their race or ethnicity, it is sinful.”[1]
That racism is a sin may seem obvious. And yet, racism is something that persists in our world today. Sometimes there are overt and obvious signs of discrimination towards people of other races. However, as the U.S. Bishops point out, racism can be something that occurs even subconsciously.
Perhaps without our knowing it, the way we were raised, the environment in which we grew up, the music we listen to, the television shows we watch, can influence our perceptions and attitudes of people who are of a different race than we are.
This calls for interior reflection and personal conversion on the part of all people to dig deep and ask God to bring healing and restoration in our hearts so that we truly see each person as possessing equal dignity.
This is not to suggest that every person is somehow inherently racist. Rather, it is the acknowledgement that we are all in need of ongoing conversion, seeking to grow in holiness and become more like Christ, who died for all.
When we look at the Bible, we can see the reason why racism is a sin against justice. Racism fails to recognize the common origin we all have as human beings made in the image of God (Gen 1:27). But it also fails to recognize the destiny that God desires for each person.
Jesus himself commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). In Greek, the word used for “nations” is á¼”θνη, transliterated as “ethne” from which we get the English word ethnicities. Jesus is saying: go and make disciples of all ethnicities!
Furthermore, in the Book of Revelation, St. John receives a vision which he recounts: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Rev 7:9) God created each person with equal dignity and he desires the salvation of all people.
How can we live out God’s vision of race and be bridge builders and agents of reconciliation?
We might think that we are not equipped for such a task. And yet, when we witness racial injustice, we have a duty to speak out against it. Indeed, failing to speak out against such a grave offense is a sin of omission. “Finally, too often racism comes in the form of the sin of omission, when individuals, communities, and even churches remain silent and fail to act against racial injustice when it is encountered.”[2]
So, where do we begin?
As with most things, the first place to start is prayer, especially adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s simple: the more time you spend with someone, the more you become like them. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more our hearts will begin to look like his.
The next thing is to begin to form personal relationships.
Have you ever noticed a person sitting by themselves at lunch, at school or on your work break? Go and talk to them! When we get to know individual people it helps us to get rid of categorizing them and instead helps us to see them on a human level. We go from “those people” to “my friend, neighbor, co-worker,” etc.
Third, we need to take the time to educate ourselves.
Spend time reading the Bible and immersing yourself in God’s word to let his truth shape your heart. Read books about saints of a different race than yours. Read about the Civil Rights Movement and the history of our country. Or about the Catholic faith in other parts of the world.
An increase in knowledge leads to increased understanding. An increase in understanding will help make dialogue more productive. And an increase in thoughtful dialogue will lead to stronger relationships and stronger communities.
If we have the courage to open wide our hearts, we can begin to work toward justice and be peacemakers in the world today.
Resources:
Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love — A Pastoral Letter Against Racism, USCCB https://www.usccb.org/resources/open-wide-our-hearts-enduring-call-love-pastoral-letter-against-racism
Racism as a Life Issue, Louis Damani Jones, McGrath Institute for Church Life chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://2077093.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2077093/THD-Racism-as-a-Life-Issue_2025(Final).pdf
Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition, American Jewish Committee, USCCB https://www.usccb.org/resources/translate-hate-catholic-edition
On Earth as It Is in Heaven: Restoring God’s Vision of Race and Discipleship, Fr. Josh Johnson https://ascensionpress.com/products/on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven-restoring-gods-vision-of-race-and-discipleship?srsltid=AfmBOoolOt7zADFQbJUmmk2vhAPJhGESKcCGp_LLx_OI4AKvWBLsV4-U +
Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood, Michael Heinlein https://www.osvcatholicbookstore.com/black-catholics-on-the-road-to-sainthood.html
[1] USCCB, Open Wide Our Hearts: the enduring call to love, a pastoral letter against racism, 3. https://www.usccb.org/resources/open-wide-our-hearts-enduring-call-love-pastoral-letter-against-racism[2] Ibid., 4. https://www.usccb.org/resources/open-wide-our-hearts-enduring-call-love-pastoral-letter-against-racism
Lucas Holt is the Human Dignity & Life Advocate, Catholic Charities, Office of Social Ministry & Community Outreach, Diocese of Green Bay.