Blog by Sr. Cathy Arnold, OP[/caption]
As we continue to celebrate Easter every day this week, it seems fitting that during this week, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who gave his life working, praying, suffering, and dying to bring about an end to racism, war, and poverty in our country. His dream is still beyond us, but some of us have become more aware of the deeply ingrained conscious and unconscious ways we perpetuate systems of racial injustice. Awareness and acknowledgment of these deep and troubling issues are critical first steps in helping us to make personal and societal changes.
This year our Dominican Sisters and Associates of Peace are studying racism and its deadly effects on our Black and Brown brothers and sisters, past and present. We are also taking a hard look at the ways we individually and congregationally contribute to systemic racism. As Catholic Christians who believe in Jesus and the life He gave to and for the world, it’s important to let the nonviolent Gospel message truly speak its challenge to us.
A study packet that fits well with this week is “MLK Jr.: Epistles and Prophets”, an online free adult education curriculum that can be used individually or in small groups and was developed by the Trinity Church Wall Street, an Episcopal parish. Their website states, “Three Epistles on Race in America,” explores contemporary black/white relationships using writings that, while perhaps lesser known than King’s famous “I have a dream” oratory, resonate powerfully today. The speakers are New York City journalist Errol Louis, New York University professor and poet Fred Moten, and Trinity’s Vicar, Phil Jackson. Hear their challenging examinations of three civil-rights era letters from Dr. King, James Baldwin, and Thomas Merton, and share them with friends in your community.” Click here to further your study and appreciation of MLK, Jr. and to further your commitment to ending racism in our country. https://www.trinitywallstreet.org/education/mlk-jr-epistles-and-prophets
This Easter as we gladly celebrate, yet sadly commemorate, let us eagerly go forward to put our own lives on the line for the sake of others.
One of our Chapter 2015 Commitments challenges us as Sisters and Associates to “Create environments of peace by promoting non-violence, unity in diversity, and reconciliation among ourselves, in the Church and throughout the world.” Our hope and goal is to work, study, and pray together to do this in the model of Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If you would like to learn more about the Dominican Sisters of Peace and/or to join us in our commitment to make a difference in the world, please contact one of our vocation ministers to begin a conversation. https://oppeace.org/become-a-sister/ 