Like Mary, we are called to consider our personal, national and even global experiences in light of God’s call to loving service. The first anniversary of George Floyd’s death, Memorial Day, and the centenary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, give us ample cause for prayer and reflection
A number of states have instituted changes in police funding, training, and policies regarding use of force, but federally mandated provisions in the George Floyd Act have yet to pass. Honoring those service members who died in war on Memorial Day, we are called to promote peace and work to end war and all sorts of violence. A hundred years after a white mob ravaged a successful Black community and planes firebombed buildings, killing we continue to witness attacks against Black and Brown people, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders. There has also been a sharp increase in anti-Semitic violence.
In pandemic isolation, many of us declared that we were forever changed. As infection rates drop and society opens up, let us follow our Blessed Mother’s example, keeping our hearts open to follow the Spirit’s lead, seeing and responding to need as we are able.