Desolation
The weather here in the Philadelphia, Pa. area has been rather mild for the Autumn. One day in early October, I was sitting in a neighborhood park outside of the city. As I was enjoying the sun and reading a book, a car at the intersection in front of me came to an abrupt halt. At the intersection, one car had the right of way and the other had a stop sign. As the car at the stop sign turned, I heard a very loud string of racial slurs come from the White driver who sped down the residential street. The other car stopped, pulled to the side and was full with four people of color. I, being the only person of color in the park and fearing the offending car would come back, jumped up from my seat and made a beeline for my car. I could barely catch my breath; I was so shaken. I noticed that there were several people walking around the park who quickly moved away from the park and the intersection. I pulled the car around the corner and regained my composure before returning home. When I arrived at the convent where I lived, one of the Sisters said to me, “Are you OK? You look upset.” I burst into tears, which is very unlike me. Upon reflection on this scene, I always hope that people would not speak with such violence, but would be respectful of another. I was sad that I did not go to the car with the people of color to see if they were in need of anything, but I truly feared there may be gunfire or further taunting. I can never return to that park; I am fearful of what could happen.
Consolation
I often pray with music. This year, during my eight day retreat, my Director introduced me to a group called “Empty Hands Music.” Among their videos is this one which really touched my spirit:
This video is both interreligious and racially diverse. As we begin our celebration of Advent that will culminate in Christmas, we remember that Jesus came to bring us together. He was respectful of the various personalities of the people that He encountered from the Apostles to Pilate. Jesus was invitational, usually asking before healing someone, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus listened to the person’s response and then acted on it. Perhaps that attitude can permeate our Advent and Christmas season. Despite the many racial challenges that we have in our country and in our world, listening, as challenging as it can be, may be the best gift that we can give to one another.
This month’s reflection was provided by Boreta Singleton, Apostolic Novice of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
If you would like to volunteer to provide an upcoming reflection, please contact Jason Downer, SJ: downerjg@lemoyne.edu.
The views and opinions expressed in this reflection do not necessarily reflect those of Jesuits USA East.
