YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS!

Auxiliary Bishop Roy Campbell Jr.

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"You cannot serve both God and mammon." (Lk. 16:1-13)

"I know that all of us looked into the mirror this morning as we got ready for this day. What did we see in the mirror? An exact image of ourselves looking back at us. What else should we see in that mirror? A person created in God's own image and likeness. A body that is a temple of our Lord through our Baptism. A person with God-given gifts that He calls us to use to benefit not only ourselves but to benefit those we encounter today." Auxiliary Bishop Roy Campbell Jr. (Feb. 2025)

The prophetic words mentioned above highlight a profound truth as we begin our day. We often have no idea who or what we will encounter throughout the day ahead. Bishop Campbell’s words encourage us to reflect on the image we see in the mirror when we start our mornings. As we ponder these words and look into our mirrors, we are called by the Holy Spirit to use our gifts for the benefit of ourselves and those we meet on our sacred journey. More importantly, as we gaze into the mirror, we must choose whom we will serve before we leave—deciding whether we will serve God or mammon is essential. It is impossible to serve two masters.

After looking into his mirror, Bishop Campbell decided to speak truth to power at the Black History Month program in February 2025. He delivered a prophetic message to Black Catholics with conviction, urging them to love themselves and everyone. He stated, "Black American people and all people of color – in fact, all people – we must not only be accepted by our fellow Americans with the love and equality that all of God's children deserve, but we must also accept our fellow Americans with the same love and equality. That is the dignity of every human being!" Catholic Standard Washington D.C.

His words resonate with our Catholic Social Teachings: "We are one human family, regardless of our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, no matter where they are or what they may say to us." Bishop Campbell was calling us to embrace the call to solidarity.

Unfortunately, Bishop Campbell's words upset some of his colleagues seven months later. According to the National Black Catholic Messenger (NBCM), "the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has removed from the internet an essay by an African-American bishop on diversity, equity, and inclusion." NBCM also reports that a representative from the USCCB stated the document, titled "DEI Means God," written by Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr. of Washington, was published by mistake on September 8 and did not undergo the normal review process." This situation raises questions about how the dominant power or regime decides what is appropriate for their congregation to hear, especially considering the number of Black Bishops we have. (How many Black Bishops do we have?)

Through a profound connection between scripture and DEI, God's people gathered to worship God in spirit and truth. Led by soulful gospel singing, clapping, and spontaneous praise, we honored and glorified God, not worldly wealth. We were blessed, I was there!

Unfortunately, those who criticize Bishop Campbell missed the anointing present in the liturgy that day. God inspired Bishop Campbell to speak about a diverse and inclusive God. Look at all of God's creation—God loves us all. God embodies equity; all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. If you bring your mustard seed of faith and I bring mine, together we can address the inequities many of our families face today, justice and peace will kiss healing our families.

Furthermore, God used inclusive language throughout scripture. As St. Paul said to Timothy in our second reading: "This is good and pleasing to God, our Savior, who wills everyone to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:3-6). Ransoming all of God's creation is indeed good and pleasing to God. Let us say amen, somebody.

Bishop Campbell is not someone who "looks at his own face in a mirror, sees himself, and then promptly forgets what he looked like" (James 1:22-23). No, Bishop Campbell knows his identity. He sees himself as a man who desires to serve God rather than wealth in a political environment that seeks to obscure God's truth from the pulpit to the state government.

Remember who you are: you are made in God's image. You cannot serve two masters; you will either love one and hate the other. Who are you serving today?

"Two candels do not burn at the same time."

Thank you to the NBCM for their article published Sept. 17, 2025, "Black prelate's essay on DEI deleted by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops"

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