09-24-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 24, 2024
In yesterday’s Etching, I referenced some words from Archbishop Oscar Romero. Many of us have heroes that don’t play professional ball or star on the big screen, yet their names are not well known. With Romero, his name is well known in certain parts of the world and among certain people. Though a bookworm prior to his promotion to Archbishop, he was suddenly thrust onto center stage. He was given the position, in part because the Catholic Church believed he would not have time to pull his nose from the books and get involved. The El Salvadorian government was repressive and brutal in its tactics. In a twelve-year period, more than 75,000 people were killed at the hands of the government’s death squads. Romero spoke up with strength and truth. Some of his fellow priests were assassinated, and less than a year after Romero’s murder, three nuns and a lay church worker were abducted, raped, and murdered. It was that event that finally grabbed the world’s attention. Though sadly, the violence continued. There are many inspiring words from Romero, but the quote that resonates with me today is:

“The church, the people of God in history, is not attached to any one social system, to any political organization, to any party. The church does not identify herself with any of those forces because she is the eternal pilgrim of history and is indicating at every historical moment what reflects the kingdom of God and what does not reflect the kingdom of God.”

Whenever religions seek earthly power at the expense of the most vulnerable, we pray for your Spirit, O Lord, to call forth those who will stand for your Kin(g)dom vision of love, mercy, and justice. This is our request, offered with ears attuned to the voice of the Spirit. Amen.