Distance Amplifies Difference: Reflecting on Racism (with Fr. Josh)

On today’s show, Jeff is joined by our very own Father Josh as they reflect on the racial divide in our country, and the events of the past week. We continue to mourn the passing of George Floyd and all those killed under racist motives, and pray for peace, unity, and forgiveness in our country. 

Snippet from the Show

The light of Christ shines in the darkest places.


Shownotes

“We as Catholics are ministers of reconciliation.”


Shownotes

We pray for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and all those who have died under racist motivations. We also pray for our country during this time of division and violence, as well as the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. 

John 17:11 – “Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. – “it is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.”

Ezra 9:5-8 – “And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle rent, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God, saying: ‘O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to thee, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt; and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as at this day. But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant, and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage.’”

Acts 10:12-23 – “In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘No, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ And the voice came to him again a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, you must not call common.’ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down, and accompany them without hesitation; for I have sent them.’ And Peter went down to the men and said, ‘I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?’ And they said, ‘Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house, and to hear what you have to say.’ So he called them in to be his guests.”

Acts 2:4-13 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and wondered, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Par′thians and Medes and E′lamites and residents of Mesopota′mia, Judea and Cappado′cia, Pontus and Asia, Phryg′ia and Pamphyl′ia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyre′ne, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’ And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’”

Listener Questions

(37:00) – “Fr. Josh, have you ever been pulled over while driving due to the color of your skin?”

(39:37) – “Besides the Holy Spirit, are there any saints whose intercession you would recommend for healing racial divisions?”

(41:39) – “As an African American young person, what do I say to my white friends who think that the uprising, unjust rioting, looting, and burning has something to do with me?” 

(46:00) – “How do you do penance for another person?”

Resources

Interested in Catholic social teaching? Check out Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for this Generation featuring Fr. Josh Johnson, Mari Pablo, Chika Anyanwu, Chris Stefanick, and more!




Meet Your Host: Jeff Cavins

Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Though he was born Catholic, Jeff went to Bible school and served as a protestant minister for twelve years before reverting to the Catholic Faith. Jeff then received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since then, he has become a leading Catholic evangelist and author.

Jeff created The Bible Timeline learning system, which revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for millions of Catholics. Since its introduction, Jeff has developed The Great Adventure series of Bible studies to help people better understand Sacred Scripture and its meaning for their lives. 

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