THE TABLET, NOVEMBER 26, 2005

NATIONAL RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Thanksgiving is a unique American celebration. The real origins of Thanksgiving are cloaked in myths of idealism. Perhaps the most celebrated one is the scene of pilgrims having a first Thanksgiving harvest feast with the Native American Indians. It is doubtful that such celebrations ever took place. They are, however, the ideal upon which Thanksgiving is based. Truly, it is the image of America, where interracial harmony is the goal.

The death of Rosa Parks, the woman who in part sparked the civil rights movement, gives us an opportunity to reflect on the struggle for racial equality in our country. How inconceivable that anyone would be asked to go to the back of the bus or to give up a seat because of skin color. Fifty years later, there are more subtle manifestations of racism that come through in the attitudes prevalent in our society.

The sight of the evacuation of New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina underlined the great gap that exists not only between races, but also between classes in the United States. The scene reminded America of the differences between whole groups of people, but at the same time it sparked an unprecedented generosity from the American people who certainly want equal treatment for all.

In our own Diocese, the donation of over $1.2 million for the reconstruction effort is testimony to our basic desire to assist all and treat all equally, and yet we are not always able to accomplish this.

Twenty-five years ago, the American Catholic bishops wrote a letter on racism entitled, "Brothers and Sisters to Us." The sentiments expressed in that pastoral letter are still valid today. There are continued problems of racism in our society that are difficult to eradicate. Although great strides have been made in integration, housing, education and job opportunities, most would say that racial equality in these areas does not yet fully exist.

I heard a statement recently that the most segregated time in America is Sunday morning, when blacks, whites and other people of color worship at different places. In a certain sense, I believe this is true. Differences in worship styles, culture and language do divide us. Opportunities to show our unity are important.

Thanksgiving is perhaps one of the few celebrations during the year when we can bring different communities together no matter their race, language or culture. The Diocese of Brooklyn is one where I do see integrated places of worship, where the variety of our languages and cultures is demonstrated.

Several weeks ago, the Office of Black Catholic Ministry celebrated its 25^th anniversary at a Mass that was a tremendous celebration of the progress made in developing the office in the last quarter-century. One of the honorees challenged the group not to be complacent, but rather to strive to be evangelizers, to welcome friends and neighbors who need to hear the Gospel preached to them.

Thanksgiving provides the opportunity to reflect upon those things for which we are thankful. It is a special time of prayer, a time to celebrate our unity, a time when we can exhibit racial harmony. Our generosity for those in need crosses racial lines. An examination of conscience regarding our attitudes toward others can make Thanksgiving truly a national religious experience. Overcoming the effects of racism in human nature demands that we put out into the deep and search for new ways of showing our respect and love for one another.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day and make your lives models of thanksgiving every day.