The theme of this year’s Racial Justice Sunday is ‘A Time to Act’. Racial issues and inequalities were identified nationally and internationally in 2020 generating awareness, emotion and outrage. In light of this, Racial Justice Sunday 2021 is particularly significant. Action is needed to further the cause of racial justice but what can we do? Read a reflection on the theme from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Parishes might consider using elements of this reflection for homilies and further discussion.
There is also a message from Bishop Paul McAleenan, the Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, with a challenge to us all: “It’s not enough to simply denounce racism. This is a time to act. In the words of Pope Francis: ‘God asks us to dare to create something new.”
We also have a prayer to bring this important work to the Lord.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
in your ministry
you were approached by people
of many different nations and cultures.
You listened to their cry for help,
treated them with love and compassion,
and brought them healing and wholeness.
In our own time may we provide
to all those who are suffer
the help that they need
and the care that they require.
May we respond to the invitation of the Holy Spirit
to dream of a world made new
where the poor are not forgotten
but are given the opportunity
to live and flourish
with good health and equal prospects.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.