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Homily stories

26 Dec 2010 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Cycle A

Estimates say that during the 20th century well over 50,000,000 people died because of genocides at the hands of political leaders, rival tribes, and oppressive nation-states. Even to this day people are seeking refuge from genocide as well as poverty, famine, and corrupt governments. Today's gospel reading tells the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fleeing Herod's execution of all of Bethlehem's young children. Throughout the Bible we see people struggling to live out their faith in the face of political oppression. Though the Bible is filled with lessons on morality and spirituality, readings like today's gospel give us a historical context to relate to these biblical figures and better understand the world in which we live. When crimes like genocides occur and force people into becoming refugees, the Bible provides us with insight on how to approach these political and social injustices, whether it be through action, compassion, or a general consciousness that these events are actually occurring somewhere in the world. At times we tend to overlook the fact that biblical figures were also historical figures. It is helpful to stand back and remember that people today are going through the same issues that people in the Bible went through thousands of years ago.

Authors Brother Nathaniel Pierce, S.J.C.

genocide refugees Bible

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Homily stories

30 Jan 2011 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the Benebikira Sisters sheltered hundreds of orphans and others who sought refuge in their convents. When a militia stormed their motherhouse and demanded that the sisters separate themselves by ethnic groups, the sisters said no--aware that at other convents 20 sisters had been killed for standing up to militants. The militia then took all their food, cut the water lines, and told the sisters they would come back to kill them. After the genocide, the sisters found themselves caring for about 350 orphans. The children "had food and clothing," Sister M. Juvenal Mukamurama told Kathleen L. Sullivan of the National Catholic Reporter, "but it was no life for them. Family is very important in our country. They needed a family." So the sisters built 39 houses and grouped the orphans into "families" of six to eight children. "Rwanda wants to move forward," said Sister Mukamurama, who is marking her 40th anniversary as a Benebikira sister (Benebikira means "Daughters of Mary" in Kinyarwanda, the native language of Rwanda). "We want to build our country, our relationships, a new life. We are no longer seen as Tutsi or Hutu. We live together. We are no longer separate. We are Rwandans." "Blessed are the peacemakers," scripture tells us. "The Lord loves the just; the Lord protects the stranger."

Authors Joel Schorn

Justice Courage genocide peacemaking

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Homily stories

28 Dec 2025 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Cycle A

Estimates say that during the 20th century well over 50,000,000 people died because of genocides at the hands of political leaders, rival tribes, and oppressive nation-states. Even to this day people are seeking refuge from genocide as well as poverty, famine, and corrupt governments. Today's gospel reading tells the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fleeing Herod's execution of all of Bethlehem's young children. Throughout the Bible we see people struggling to live out their faith in the face of political oppression. Though the Bible is filled with lessons on morality and spirituality, readings like today's gospel give us a historical context to relate to these biblical figures and better understand the world in which we live. When crimes like genocides occur and force people into becoming refugees, the Bible provides us with insight on how to approach these political and social injustices, whether it be through action, compassion, or a general consciousness that these events are actually occurring somewhere in the world. At times we tend to overlook the fact that biblical figures were also historical figures. It is helpful to stand back and remember that people today are going through the same issues that people in the Bible went through thousands of years ago.

Authors Brother Nathaniel Pierce, S.J.C.

genocide political injustices social injustices

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