Talk 9 - "White Apathy and the Crucifixi...

Grieving with others is not the only way we commit to solidarity. Becoming aware of one’s participation in the oppression of others, is another way of opening the eyes of the heart and deciding to be responsible. Brian Engelhart, SJ, describes the apathy White people often exercise when dealing with the realities of racism that affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and finishes the third week of our “Know Justice, Know Peace: A Jesuit Antiracism Retreat” with one contemporary example, as well as with an invitation to get rid of indifference.

Verses for Prayer:

Matthew 26:17-27:56 - The Passion of Jesus According to Matthew

Reflection Questions:

1. What is the pain Jesus feels at this stage of the Passion?
   
2. Am I staying with Jesus in his suffering, or am I looking for ways to escape and reduce my own pain?
   
3. What do I feel as I realize that Jesus is suffering on account of my sins?
   
4. How does my reaction to Jesus’ Passion compare with my reaction to the sufferings of BIPOC today? Can I recognize that pain, sit with it, and acknowledge my role in it?