Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 39

Sermon on the Mount

Over the past weeks of Easter, we have read accounts of the Resurrection as well as concrete examples of people acting for racial justice and antiracism. Many of these examples have been in Jesuit or Ignatian ministries across Jesuit West Province or the United States. These are all examples of ways we might begin to take action for racial justice knowing that Jesus is calling us to build his kingdom in our world today. 

I recall my experiences with Jesus in his resurrection over these past weeks. What have I learned about him as I’ve prayed with him at the tomb, on the seashore sharing a meal, in the ministry of reconciliation and more? What has he taught me about himself and about my own relationship with him? 

I imagine I am with the other disciples and I journey with them to meet Jesus. What does this place look like? What do I think as I get closer? What are my hopes and expectations when I see Jesus? 

Jesus tells us all of us gathered that we are to spread the message to all the nations, to baptize, to tell everyone we meet about him and his commandments. He tells us his commandments again – to love God with all our hearts and to love one another, to seek to not be served, but to serve. He recalls how he has journeyed with the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed because it is his mission. What commandments of his stand out to me? What else does he say to us and what resonates with my experience with him? 

As he tells me to tell the world about him, what does this evoke in me? What emotions do I feel? Am I enthusiastic or nervous, or both? How does he invite me in particular to spread the Gospel?

I recall my experiences in my prayer about racial justice over these last weeks. I recall praying with the doubts that come from others who may doubt my experience. Just as the disciples gathered with Jesus worship and doubt him, I think about ways I doubt whether I am on the right track when it comes to racial justice. What stands out to me in this prayer? 

Jesus invites us to spread his good news across the world. I think about how I might be called to do that with regards to racial justice. Jesus recalls how he came to liberate the oppressed. I think about all I have learned about marginalization because of race in our country. How does Jesus call me to see this as part of spreading his commandments to the whole world? What in particular have I learned or experienced with him that leads me to see racial equity, racial justice, and antiracism as part of his Gospel call and commandments?

As I pray with his call, does he invite or elicit in me some concrete actions? Does he invite me to recall what I have learned about the other organizations working for racial justice? Does he call me to spread the Gospel to anyone in particular or to accompany a specific community? 

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Where do I still experience doubt in my relationship with Jesus or in the work of racial equity?

How might my experience be a springboard for my parish, school, or community? How could I take what I have learned to make my relationships or organization more committed to racial justice? 

Does a particular action emerge as something I would like to commit to, especially as our discernment series nears its end after Pentecost?