In light of yesterday's terrorist attacks in Paris: in this Mass, we pray for the repose of the souls of our brothers and sisters who've died and for all those who're suffering tremendously at this time. Jesus' Sacred Heart is pierced by suffering humanity: for what loving Spouse would not be suffering while his Bride is experiencing intense labor pains. So too, Christ the Head suffers, because he is one with the members of His Body, the people of God here on earth. We are thankful for the media coverage which informs us of what has happened: we need to know about what is going on in the world, we need to know the situations of our brothers and sisters suffering all over the globe, lest we ever become complacent, isolated, and far removed from them. And let us remember all the other global situations of injustice, terror, and war where there is no extensive media coverage and which we are not fully aware of. Our hearts must go out to them and we must pray and we must sacrifice in union with their suffering. In light of these and all other forms of terrorism, what is a Christian moral response? I want to elaborate on the theme of solidarity, which must do away entirely with a tribal mentality: also known as the "us" vs. "them" mentality. Solidarity, said simply, is the attitude of "we are ALL in this together". Contrary to Cain's objection to God: I AM my brother's keeper. I AM responsible for my brother. I AM totally invested in the ENTIRE human race. This is what Jesus teaches us, when the 2nd person of the Holy Trinity becomes totally invested in the human race: the Word becomes Flesh, there's no greater demonstration than this. Solidarity is related to the notion of collective moral responsibility. It is true; you and I are not INDIVIDUALLY responsible for these atrocious attacks in Paris. But can anyone plead complete innocence in what happened? On this Saturday, where the liturgy traditionally invites us to honor and reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary, let's briefly talk about Mary. Mary of Nazareth is the only human person in history who never sinned. But even she needs a Savior, This is dogmatic Church teaching, even Mary needs to be redeemed by Jesus. Because she was given prevenient grace from the consequences of Original Sin, in the grace of the Immaculate Conception - But she was Immaculately Conceived, not for her own sake, but for Jesus' sake. Mary, too, needs to be saved, and her salvation simply began at the moment of her Conception. She was uniquely Baptized at her Conception... My point about Mary is that, even Mary would experience a collective responsibility for what happened in Paris: even though, not personally responsible, Mary is collectively responsible inasmuch as she is a member of the human race and is in solidarity with suffering humanity. All the more, every one of us ought to take ownership in collective responsibility. For in an indirect way, all of us, all of our personal sins and lack of virtue has had a ripple effect on humanity. It is my sins, lack of virtue and holiness that has deprived the people around me in Kansas of the grace they deserved, and this deprivation of grace in the lives of the people of Kansas has undoubtedly deprived other people of love in their lives, which has surely deprived the perpetrators of these terrorist attacks the love they needed to avoid such terrible violence. If we were all saints, none of this would've happened... Therefore, I, Edward Ahn, AM my brother's keeper: I am collectively responsible for the sins of all. and so are you.
