Studying the Open Wide Our Hearts Letter
Every Thursday in Lent we will offer a chance to read & reflect on an excerpt from the pastoral letter from the US Catholic Bishops. There will be additional excerpts available on the website for those interested. If you would like to see the letter in its entirety, please click here.
Read the following excerpt from the bishops’ letter.
“Racism shares in the same evil that moved Cain to kill his brother. It arises from suppressing the truth that his brother Abel was also created in the image of God, a human equal to himself. Every racist act—every such comment, every joke, every disparaging look as a reaction to the color of skin, ethnicity, or place of origin—is a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God. In these and in many other such acts, the sin of racism persists in our lives, in our country, and in our world. ”
Questions for reflection:
What is my initial reaction to this paragraph?
How familiar am I with the story of Cain & Abel? (Read Gen 4:1-16)
Do I agree or disagree with the idea that forgetting we are ALL created in the image and likeness of God is at the root of racism? Why or why not?
What are some things that bind us together as humans?
What are some things that divide us apart as humans?
Families: In the story of Cain & Abel, Cain’s jealousy toward his brother turned to anger and his anger led to murder. When God asked Cain where Abel was he lied asking, “Am I supposed to take care of my brother?” Of course the answer is yes. We are all called to love one another. When we sin, we fail to love. We hurt another person. We hurt ourselves. Read the story of Cain & Abel as a family or watch this video.
Additional Resources:
Genesis 3 & 4: Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel by Fr. Michael Schmitz, Ascension Presents podcast. Listen to this specific podcast episode that does a wonderful job of explaining the Cain & Abel story.
Open Wide Our Hearts Study Guide by USCCB This study guide covers the entire document with further insight, discussion/reflection questions, and links to additional resources, including links for the Native American experience as well.
Additional paragraph to ponder:
“How do we overcome this evil of rejecting a brother or sister’s humanity, the same evil that provoked Cain’s sin? What are the necessary steps that would lead to this conversion? We find our inspiration in the words of the prophet Micah: You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Mi 6:8) ”