ARE WE READY FOR THE NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS XIV?

Prof./Evangel. Michael Howard, MACS

On this Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Increase our faith." (Lk. 17:5-10)

The Old Testament reading for today reminds me of the National Black Catholic Congress XIII. Do you remember the excitement as over 3,000 Black Catholics gathered at the Gaylord Hotel in 2023? We came together with a purpose: to "Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive," inspired by today's Old Testament reading from the Prophet Habakkuk. The Prophet instructs us to: "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily" (Hab. 2:2).

Even more noteworthy is that Bishop Ricard spoke about a campfire on the final day of the Congress. He encouraged everyone in attendance to return home and stir up the Spirit. This imagery of stirring the Spirit connects with the second reading from Timothy today: "I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice" (2 Tim. 1:6-7). He boldly admonished us to share our gift of Blackness with the Catholic Church and not to be "ashamed of your testimony to our Lord" (2 Tim. 1:8). Remember, God did not create us to worry or to be cowards.

I want to highlight the boldness of Bishop Roy Campbell, who recently faced scrutiny for his sermon at this year's Black History Month celebration in Washington, D.C. On September 28, Daryl Grigsby, a friend and co-worker in the vineyard, a layman, spoke out against Cardinal Timothy Dolan for his public comments regarding Charlie Kirk's tragic death. These Black Catholic men are unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and allow the Spirit to guide them in proclaiming the truth.

However, the pressing questions we need to consider are: "How are you living out your vision for Black Catholics?" How does your Diocesan office support you or others in forming a vision that enables Black Catholics to thrive? Are we advocating through letters to the USCCB for the ordination of more Black Bishops in the United States? Does our vision focus on preventing the closure of our churches and schools? Are we committed to increasing faith opportunities for our young adults to share the gifts of the Spirit they received during their Confirmation? What steps are we taking to ensure our liturgies are engaging and do not resemble "St. Frigidaire"? Will we push for "mini" gatherings in the next two years to create a more action-oriented platform for Congress XIV?

After reading these questions and reflecting on your challenges in the Church, meditate on the apostles' request for spiritual growth. "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith." The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."

Well! Do you have faith the size of a mustard seed?

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