With the torrent of words from all quarters trying to explain how to end racism, I am amazed at the absence of any spiritual input into the conversation. Just more of the age-old failed ideas of throwing more money at the cities and states. Our Lord gave us the solution over 2,000 years ago: “Love your neighbor as yourself for the love of God” and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” His words weren’t prescriptive of how to end racism on a global or national level. Instead, He told me how to do it, He told you how to do it, He told all faith leaders how to do it, and He told all of us that there will be a long-running battle between good and evil. Racism has to be fought by each of us on our streets, in our neighborhoods, in our grocery stores and in our churches every day, every week, year after year after year. If we fight that fight, I believe we will hear the words of Our Lord in Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Racism is an evil and can only be defeated with practical applications of Our Lord’s commandment to “love thy neighbor”: saying hello to your neighbor, holding open the door, helping to carry a bundle, asking how they’re doing, wishing them well. Tiny steps, admittedly, but every long journey begins with a single step.
I wish all of us well as we go about doing God’s work.
Stephen F. Bagnell is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point.