Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Over the last week we have watched in horror as George Floyd was mercilessly treated by certain police officers leading to his tragic death. The police officers in question now await justice. We have also seen people throughout the world mobilizing to oppose racism, an evil that has existed far too long in our world. Sadly some of these protests have turned into senseless rioting and violence, which does no good to anyone.
On the afternoon of Saturday, June 6, there will be a protest in downtown Guelph. We pray that it will be a peaceful, but powerful witness to the inherent dignity of all people. Therein, I believe, lies the point for Christians. We are called to believe that all people are created in the image and likeness of God, and endowed by Him with an inherent and inalienable dignity. This basic human dignity must always be safeguarded and upheld. We are called to oppose anything, including racism, that attacks the dignity of a human being!
As Christians this is a good time to ask ourselves how we can respond to racism, violence and other attacks on human dignity, by being living witnesses to the love of God for all the people He has created in His image. Do we welcome the stranger, shelter the homeless, give food and drink to the hungry? Are we “doers or the word and not hearers only”?
This week let us pray with special fervour for peace and justice based on the eternal Law of God. Let us pray also that out of this tragedy might come a better future wherein the God given dignity of all people is honoured throughout the world.
I truly hope to see you all back in the Basilica very soon, and I pray for you all each day.
May God bless you always,
Fr. Ian