In the Gospel of this past Tuesday, (Mth 5:13-16), Jesus said to his disciples "You are the salt of the earth," "You are the light of the world." Such statements by Jesus tell us of his confidence that disciples of his can AND SHOULD make a difference, a Christ-like difference in the world in which we live. The past few weeks we have witnessed many people taking to the streets to peacefully protest against police brutality (and racism) and promote changes in funding and actions that will hopefully, in time, create a better environment for people of all races and creeds to live and prosper without any prejudiced words and/or actions against them.
This past weekend, I encouraged everyone who participated in Mass to pull up on our church website (www.hsvsacredheart.com) not only our bishop's recent statement on racism, but also something Bishop Taylor encouraged us to read. It is a letter written in 1963 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to clergymen of Birmingham, Alabama while he was imprisoned after a peaceful demonstration in that (at the time) very segregated city. It is good that we hear from a man who preached and practiced non-violence in his efforts to get people of his day and time to address people and institutions that were treating racial minorities in a less than Christ-like way. In it he promotes a non-violent, direct action that seek to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. In this case the issue is police excessive use of force that led to the death of George Floyd and the undeniable reality that racism still exists in not only law enforcement but in the judicial system and in other institutions in our country, as well.
If one were to look honestly at the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, one could easily see that his teachings and actions often created a certain "nonviolent tension" that was necessary for growth in the ways of God, which is what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others stood for (and that he and others died for). He hoped that people would be led to rise from the "dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights (and I would say light) of understanding and brotherhood." Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord always promoted a "we" and "us" mentality rather than a "they" and "them" way of thinking and acting toward one another.
There is no doubt in my mind that "we" as a society have come quite a way since the 1960's as evidenced by the many non-African Americans who are in the protests and are speaking out in public. Let us pray that the light and love, mercy and justice will continue to shine ever more brightly and overcome the darkness of prejudice, retribution and injustice in our country and throughout the world.
I especially want to thank our liturgical ministers who are assisting either at the indoor or the parking lot Masses, our outdoor crew who helps to get everyone parked for Mass (under the leadership of Jeff Silk) and Cathy Silk who works both indoors and on the weekend outdoors to keep the enviornment safe and sanitized as well as heading up the effort to make the outdoor Mass audio-friendly for those who come. When I think about all the challenges that faced the apostle and the early church as they sought to spread the Good News of the Gospel to every corner of the earth, our challenges pale in comparison, yet the Lord's work continues to be done in this parish in the Church, in our parking lot and in other places and ways through charitable and humble servants of the Lord.
I also want to take time to thank those who continue their monetary stewardship to our parish in the ways that are provided for you to give. Please look at the bulletin announcement this weekend about the Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal and the fact that 248 families have already contributed over $70,000 toward our goal of $83,900. While I fear many parishes will fall far short of their goal because of the challenges of dealing with COVID-19 (and some ministries in our diocese suffer because of it), I hope that those of you from our parish who have not made a contribution to this most worthy cause will do so soon or at least by the end of the calendar year. The Pentecost Spirit is alive and well in this parish and I pray all of us know and feel that Spirit, especially in these trying times!
How about all of you? Have you taken the initiative to discuss with your loved ones or written anything down about your desires after your death, when it comes to funeral services? I have written before that I believe doing such a thing is a blessing for immediate family and for others. Every Catholic is entitled to a Mass of Resurrection when they die as we need not only the prayers from our family and friends for the happy repose of our soul, but also a way to affirm and confirm our belief in life everlasting with the Lord.
Since Deacon John has moved to Tennessee, I am the one, to whom you would speak and work with when it comes to making decisions and choices for your funeral services and interment afterward in a cemetery or columbarium (unless that has already been determined). Please remember that the Catholic Church, while permitting cremation, does not allow the scattering of a person's cremains.
Since I'm talking about cremation, let me remind you that we have niches available in at least one of the columbaria in our Columbarium Garden located behind the church parking lot. Please contact Buddy Dixon at 501-922-2811 for more information and costs of being interred on the parish grounds.
I will admit that making decions about my own funeral services was not a pleasant thing to do while I felt good after I finished knowing that this takes a burden off my family members and makes it clear what I want and what I believe will bring my family, brother priests, and friends comfort, strength and hope. Please call me at the church number 501-922-2062, ext. 11 and we will make an apointment to talk about this important matter.