Archbishop of Minneapolis Asks All to Pray before Trial saying "God calls us to be people of peace...." FULL TEXT + Video #GeorgeFloyd
STATEMENT AND RESOURCES REGARDING START OF DEREK CHAUVIN TRIAL
March 5, 2021
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda
With the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin beginning Monday, there is a certain level of anxiety permeating the Twin Cities. For many, the beginning of the trial brings back memories of the anger that erupted last Spring after the death of George Floyd. We recall the violence and unrest that accompanied the calls for justice. Many now are fearful about what may happen during the trial and in its aftermath – no matter what the jury’s verdict will eventually be. And all of that emotion is heightened by the ongoing pandemic that has brought additional death, illness and sadness to our world, country, state, communities and families.
On this third Sunday of Lent, we join with the Church around the world in praying Psalm 95: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” God is always asking us to listen for his voice and to allow that voice to penetrate our hearts.
March 5, 2021
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda
With the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin beginning Monday, there is a certain level of anxiety permeating the Twin Cities. For many, the beginning of the trial brings back memories of the anger that erupted last Spring after the death of George Floyd. We recall the violence and unrest that accompanied the calls for justice. Many now are fearful about what may happen during the trial and in its aftermath – no matter what the jury’s verdict will eventually be. And all of that emotion is heightened by the ongoing pandemic that has brought additional death, illness and sadness to our world, country, state, communities and families.
On this third Sunday of Lent, we join with the Church around the world in praying Psalm 95: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” God is always asking us to listen for his voice and to allow that voice to penetrate our hearts.
We cannot let our hearts harden. God calls us to be people of peace, hope and love. He also calls us to be people of justice – not revenge.
I hope you will join me during the trial by blocking-out time in our busy lives to stop and pray. Whether we can take 30 seconds or 30 minutes, let us commit to praying each day for peace in our communities, peace for the Floyd family and peace for our first responder sisters and brothers working to protect us. Please join me as well in praying for an end to the scourge of racism in our country.
We have seen time and again that we do not have the power to bring peace, equality and justice to our world on our own. If there was ever a time to join together and ask our merciful God for his help, this is it. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
I hope you will join me during the trial by blocking-out time in our busy lives to stop and pray. Whether we can take 30 seconds or 30 minutes, let us commit to praying each day for peace in our communities, peace for the Floyd family and peace for our first responder sisters and brothers working to protect us. Please join me as well in praying for an end to the scourge of racism in our country.
We have seen time and again that we do not have the power to bring peace, equality and justice to our world on our own. If there was ever a time to join together and ask our merciful God for his help, this is it. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
Resources
Join in praying for and promoting racial justice and peace. Commit to daily prayer, and sign up for emails on how to promote racial justice and peace in our community.
Find ways to respond to racism, including pastoral letters, study guides, information and prayer opportunities.
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