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Sisters of Providence say Georgia shooting reminds us of Gospel call to love all—without exception

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., stand with countless others in condemning the rampant racism, white supremacy and misogyny that are fueling the increasing violence in our country.

The recent mass shootings as well as the daily acts of bullying and intimidation experienced by our Asian sisters and brothers are but one example of how we as a people are not living up to the Gospel call to love all generously and without exception.

We grieve with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities and with the citizens of Atlanta as we offer our prayerful support for all who have lost loved ones to hateful acts of violence. We pray as well for all our Asian sisters and brothers who live in fear of harm for themselves or others and/or who are mentally and emotionally re-living prior experiences of degradation or harm.

We are particularly heartsick over the events in Atlanta because of their impact on our Asian members and because of the relationships we have formed during 100 years of ministry in Taiwan and China. We continue to pray for healing—both for the aggressors and for those subjected to their aggression.

As Sisters of Providence committed to living in right relationship, we acknowledge our own complicity in structural and institutional racism. We commit to ridding ourselves and our country of this terrible evil, and pledge to do our part in creating “the beloved community,” a world based on equality of persons and love for all.

The General Council of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., includes:

-Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, General Superior
-Sister Lisa Stallings, Vicar and General Councilor
-Sisters Mary Beth Klingel, Jeanne Hagelskamp and Jenny Howard, General Councilors
 

Reader: Individuals with disabilities can be the best example of someone with a pure heart

Thank you for your wonderful article in the March 26 issue of The Criterion regarding Mark Hublar and people with disabilities. The focus and attention you provided regarding Mark and individuals with disabilities talents, skills and abilities is deeply appreciated.

I’ve known Mark for several years, and he is a remarkable man. As someone who has worked with and advocated for people with disabilities since the early 1970s, I have seen and continue to see the monumental challenges individuals with disabilities and their families face.

Mark’s family and the agencies that have supported him are certainly to be commended. Individuals with disabilities have great potential and abilities.

Mark is a wonderful example of when given an opportunity and proper supports individuals with disabilities can thrive in individualized community-based settings and contribute to society.

Most of all, individuals with disabilities can be the best example of someone with a pure heart.

Thank you again.

-Randy Krieble | Indianapolis
 

Is society addicted to choosing Barabbas over Jesus?

On Palm Sunday in the Catholic Church, we hear the entire Passion narrative, this year from the Gospel of Mark, chapters 14 and 15.

In anticipating this, I have been pondering the end of this story, where Pilate asks the people if they want to have Jesus released to them. Instead, they ask for Barabbas. Barabbas literally means “son [bar] of the father [abbas].”

Barabbas is an imposter for Jesus. Barabbas is not anti-Christ, but Barabbas is pseudo-Christ.

Barabbas is the version of Jesus which the powerful in religion and politics have persuaded the masses to choose over Jesus and his revolutionary, liberating message.  To this day, “Christian” people choose Barabbas over Jesus all the time.

Whenever we choose violence over non-violence, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

When we choose war over peace, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

When we choose profits over people, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

When we choose to reject universal health care, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

When we choose to support the death penalty, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

When we choose empire over the kingdom of God, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

When we choose nationalism over our citizenship in heaven, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

When we choose the perverted gospel which says God blesses wealth instead of “blessed are you who are poor,” we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

Anytime we choose the interests of those who are in places of power and plenty over the needy and destitute, we are choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

I could go on. … Our society is addicted to choosing Barabbas over Jesus.

-Clarence White | Columbus