As Christians, we are called to be united with those who suffer injustice. Their pain should be our pain. We can be the ones to affirm the worth of those rejected by others.

Are we willing to acknowledge injustice and see others in a new way, to connect with them and testify to their pain? 

An examination of conscience might help:*

• Am I taking time to learn the stories of past oppression?
• Am I actively seeking to listen to the cries of our brothers and sisters who experience any form of rejection today?
• Am I working to change unjust policies?
• Do I need to root out attitudes in myself that devalue or cast suspicion on others?
• Am I taking intentional steps to welcome the stranger, socialize with people from other communities, and learn about people from other cultures, races, and backgrounds? 

*Self-examination drawn from “The Call to Address Racism in Our Hearts and Communities,” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2018.