Is it Too Much to Call out for Love?
Living out the Gospel can certainly be challenging. At times, I’ll hear a thought-provoking homily or while praying with Scripture, a verse or particular section will touch my heart. I will get this uneasy feeling that continuously pushes me until I do something about it. I feel as though some of my brothers and sisters have lost touch with “...who we are and whose we are”, as Thea Bowman once reminded us of such. Well, who are we? Well, we are children of God, sons, and daughters of the Highest. Whose we are? We belong to God himself. And what or who is our God? St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “God is love and He loves you and we are precious to Him.”
Throughout history, we have seen and witnessed that this love has somehow vanished into the dark pits of bigotry, hatred, sexism, racism, and sin itself. We long for a world in which we can experience love. Everywhere we turn it seems as though this love from God, this love of God, and our God of love has somehow miraculously disappeared. Turn on the news, read an article, look at family members that do not speak to each other, look at clergy and parishioners not on good terms, my O my, where is this love that is so desperately needed? Are we too scared because of our egos or are we simply not attuned with the Gospel? Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are created in God’s image and likeness. That we collectively as believers, first and foremost, and of course, Youth Ministers, are called to recognize the dignity in each human person that we come in contact with.
On September 9th, Holy Mother Church acknowledges, commemorates, and celebrates the life of St. Peter Claver. Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit priest who dedicated himself to Christ by becoming one with the people entrusted to him. It’s almost as if he understood the youth ministry concept of “meeting them where they are at.” At a time when slavery was alive and well, Peter Claver rose to the occasion to call out for love. Despite Pope Paul III's anti-slavery efforts in his decree, Sublimis Deus, slavery was present. Peter Claver found himself being amongst the slaves. He would often be there to console the sick and dying. It is estimated that he baptized 300,000. Any need that the enslaved and former enslaved had, he was able to serve them. He made it his mission to be the “slave of the slaves”, as that would entail him getting to their level and understanding the unethical practices and dehumanization that they were facing daily. Peter Claver was not shy to confront slave masters. Even when language may have been a barrier, Peter Claver fought through that adversity to bring aid. Peter Claver understood that each person was made in God’s image and that they had to be treated with dignity and respect. He simply did what he could. He understood what love causes us to do! After all that is our mission here on Earth. That is the greatest commandment: to love. Love is self-giving and should be given freely and totally.
St. Peter Claver can serve as an inspiration for youth ministers and catechetical leaders, alike. Are we willing to be one with those we serve? Are we willing to go out like the missionaries we are called to be? Are we willing to bring love into our homes, parishes, schools, and communities that so desperately need them? Too many of us are serving in the Church and remaining quiet when we see injustice occurring in front of our very eyes. Many have risen to the occasion to serve and be with those who needed aid. The Church has always been there, but it seems as though many of us, who make up the Church, are too afraid. By our very Baptism, we are called to serve. We are reminded of this mission every single day at Mass. Christ asks us to do what we can. St. Peter Claver did so! How are we bringing aid to the young person who is suicidal? How are we bringing aid to the parents who just found out that their son has been diagnosed with cancer? How are we bringing aid to the young person who is afraid to be beaten because she is lesbian? How are we bringing aid to our brother who lost his job and has no money to put food on his family’s table? How are we bringing aid to our communities that are facing gun violence? How are we bringing aid to our brothers and sisters who cry out for justice? How are we bringing aid to the lack of representation in our schools and churches? Are we truly willing to be one with the people that we are entrusted to serve?
Too many of us are required or are demanded to stay in our offices, and so few of us rarely greet and talk to the people that God has given us. Our presence is to be a reminder for God’s people that He is with them, by them, and living amongst them. Are we seeing the face of Christ in everyone? Are we willing to change our attitudes, actions, behaviors, and practices for the betterment of a society that promotes dignity and respect? He so loved the world that He gave His only Son - with that same love may we be able to be bold and courageous to bring that love where it is needed most. May we be able to offer our lives if need be as Christ offers us life at every Sacrifice of the Mass.
May we be able to be like Peter Claver and respond with love despite the adversities that are present. May we like Peter Claver, believe so deeply in the Word of God so that our lives and those around us will change forever.
Peter began working in church ministry in the 2nd grade, as an Altar Server. He credits his father and his elementary school, St. Francis Xavier School, with his immense love for religious education and his strong Catholic beliefs. After receiving Confirmation, he realized his calling to serve God and his people. In 2016 he became a Youth Minister at his parish, St. Clare R. C. Church in Rosedale, NY. He serves as a Catechist at his parish in Rosedale but also at St. Anastasia, in Douglaston, NY. He is also a Catholic School Religion Teacher in Nassau County.
Seeing a need and wanting to serve on a diocesan level, in 2017, Peter began assisting in the planning of Kujenga, a Youth leadership conference now in its 30th year of existence and serves as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Diocese of Brooklyn & Queens’ Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns, (VBCC). A proud Haitian-American, he has similarly assisted the Haitian Apostolate on some of their youth events over the years. Presently, Peter serves on the Brooklyn Diocesan Commission on Racism and Social Justice.
