Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”

Frustration at the worst of human behavior tempts us to endorse the world-weary words of Ecclesiastes: "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun" (1:9-10). Anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim sentiments and harassment of gays re-appear alongside other less publicized examples. As recent events in the United States have shown us, racism in particular persists. Sadly, these have been abetted by persons in the highest positions in our country.

For Christians and for all who recognize that there is but one human race this is a moral issue. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) the hero is a traditional enemy of Jesus’ fellow Jews. After the Samaritan has cared for the battered man with no questions about his race or religion, Jesus identifies the man’s neighbor: "The one who showed him mercy. Go and do likewise." There is no one on earth who is not a neighbor.

In the wake of terroristic attacks against various groups it's heartening to hear rejections of hatred and racism from people of stature. On one such occasion, a march against hatred and intolerance, Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "Hatred of foreigners, racism and extremism have no place in this country.... We are a country based on democracy, tolerance and openness to the world.... Excluding population groups due to their faith or their origin is beneath the dignity of our liberal state." (Quoted in Al Jazeera, Wed 1/14/2015.) 

And, on a visit to Sri Lanka, Pope Francis said: "Religious freedom is a fundamental human right.... Each individual must be free ... to seek the truth, and to openly express his or her religious convictions, free from intimidation and external compulsion."

Similarly, over sixty years ago Vatican Council II declared (distilling wisdom the Catholic Church came to painfully over centuries): "The Church rejects, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination ... because of race, color, condition of life, or religion." Vocal and active support of these convictions by Christians can give the lie to Ecclesiastes. What has been does not have to be again.

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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