Unity, Not Condemnation
It was a terrible and senseless act of killing 49 people and injuring more than 50 in Orlando, Florida, recently! Of course, we know that the shooting happened in a well-known gay dance club. I would like to address the existence of a culture of hatred and condemnation which often leads to an acceptance of violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons.
Recognizing that you are homosexual is not the same as recognizing that you are sinful. To be human is to be tempted toward sin and evil. Human beings, in their weakness and selfishness fall to temptation and sin. One’s sexual orientation does not make one more or less sinful. Are homosexual people more or less sinful than heterosexual people? If this is your first question then you have started down a failed path. “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-3)
Here are some words I have heard said: “They are sinners! They deserved to die.” As soon as the word “they” is spoken, we must become alert for the ways by which some people divide and separate for the sake of distancing themselves from others. On the contrary, in Paul’s letter to the Galatians as we heard on Sunday, June 19th, Paul speaks of those who have been baptized. We have put on Christ! Thus, there exists no difference between Jew and Greek, slave or free, male or female. Putting on Christ unites us to others even when they have not been baptized, even if they sin. So, “we” must not condemn “them” but rather welcome our sisters and brothers. By our baptism we are united with all, saints and sinners.
We are one even before we are different. And of course, if we do evil, if we have sinned even once, we must admit that we are one in our need for reconciliation, one in our vulnerability. We are one in our need for God’s forbearance, God’s forgiveness, and God’s mercy. Neither “somewhat evil” nor “somewhat good” is “perfect.” Therefore, let us not fall to the temptation to judge and condemn. Instead, let us look to know and to understand and to be ONE!
Peace, Fr. Andy