On Monday, June 19, 1865 – Juneteenth – the last enslaved people in the Confederate states were informed of their freedom. We join with our brothers and sisters across the country to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, a poignant day that serves to remind us we are all created in the image and likeness of God.
In remembering the Juneteenth holiday, I invite you to pause and reflect on the realization that ours and future generations must never forget the scourge of slavery in our nation. We must use that memory as a catalyst to peacefully work for racial equality and social justice, while respecting the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.
The Catholic Bishops of the United States, in their pastoral letter against racism titled, “Open Wide Our Hearts,” remind us that, “Through his cross and Resurrection, Christ united the one human race to the Father. However, even though Christ’s victory over sin and death is complete, we still live in a world affected by them. Racism occurs because a person ignores the fundamental truth … that all humans share a common origin … equally made in the image of God.”
On this commemoration of Juneteenth, let us pray for a genuine conversion of heart, one that will compel change and lead us to follow Jesus Christ’s example of love for all – in our homes, in our communities and in our society. In Christ, let us find the strength and the grace necessary to make that journey. And may we lift our hearts to God our Father to ask for the help and guidance we need to continually work for the justice that brings lasting peace.