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American Vias Dolorosa


The liturgical calendar of my Catholic tradition accompanies us through our lives in the ordinary times as well as in periods and on days of significance. During the solemn and holy days of Lent and the Triduum, respectively, we reenact the via dolorosa in the Stations of the Cross. Regardless of its size, the sanctuary of each Catholic parish will include a representation of the fourteen Stations. The prayerful process reflects on the sorrow and suffering of Jesus from his condemnation to death his death by capital punishment and burial in a tomb. His subsequent resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday. 

While the Church's calendar reflects the highs and lows of ordinary life, our lived experience is not confined to this timeline. Experiences of suffering, death, and resurrection occur for each of us at varying times. The calendar may say that it is ordinary time, but as we accompany a loved one through the challenges of a terminal illness it is a period of sorrow. 

With this in mind it is important to acknowledge that we also have the capacity to bring suffering and sorrow into the lives of others. Yes, each of us as individuals and societies can deliver ineffable suffering to our neighbor for whom we have been charged to love as we love ourselves. As Jesus was placed on the via dolorosa by individuals perpetuating flawed systems so are we.

The United States of America was established on the land of the First Nations and built through the enslavement of Africans who survived the Middle Passage by those who earlier sought to escape various forms of European oppression. The vias dolorosa on this land are webs of long term practices enshrined in law to ensure the provision of privilege. At some point, the nation's founders freely chose to deny the humanity of others, in particular those of darker skin tones. To support their blatant lies they constructed the flawed concept of "race" in which they deemed themselves superior to others by God's grace. 

In the US, the privilege of hyper-racialized systems is denied by many who receive them. It is easier for them to think that the Civil Rights Movement resolved the injustices of the nation's racist history insensitive to the depth of its roots. As did their ancestors, they turn from the lived experience of those on the margins while those on the margins have not the luxury of turning away.  

The existence of significant disparities in so many aspects of American society are an invitation for curiosity, for questions. Yet, the flawed concept of "race" provides an equally flawed reason for those not wanting to ponder the status quo. As long as their privilege is secure, there is no curiosity, there are no questions and the vias dolorosa continue.

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