St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish in Kalamazoo shared a note with the congregation from the pastor on the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

Rev. Paul Redmond wrote that growing up a military child, he was exposed to a good deal of diversity and always got along with children from all ethnic backgrounds, according to the church bulletin.

“However, every once in a while, I would hear ethnic slurs or racial jokes from the kids my age, the high school group or even some adults. I remember one time playing with one of my friends (who was black) and being cruelly treated by some older children because my friend was black,” Rev. Redmond wrote.

Racism is a big issue in the world today and it seems to be more apparent and obvious than ever before.

Indeed, racism has been called by some a “pro-life issue,” as it has to do with people not being given the full God-given dignity which as been instilled in them as human beings. 

“The only way to move forward in our society is with Christ. Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts and see with the eyes of faith,” Rev. Redmond wrote. “Examine our consciences. What is deep within my own heart — beliefs, attitudes, biases, and where did they come from.”

Rev. Redmond encourages the lay faithful to research the stories of racism in this country, from the perspective of the oppressed, and feel a deep sense of empathy for the struggle that so many Americans have had to deal with for generations. 

“Listen to stories and educate ourselves in the truth of history of oppression and racism in the US and the Church,” Rev. Redmond wrote. 

With hard work and prayer, we can help to put an end to racism and bring all human beings to a place of equality.