TRANSFORMATION

TRANSFORMATION 

It probably isn’t a coincidence that the announcement of the canonization of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador came at Pentecost. Pentecost is all about the power of the Holy Spirit. The dramatic story of the transformation of Oscar Romero from introvert to activist parallels the story of the transformation of the Apostles from students to professionals.

Oscar Romero was a quiet, studious priest who never looked to advance in the Church, but would much rather have studied, prayed and stayed out of the public eye. Those whose work it was to elevate priests to the Bishopric chose Romero to be bishop not because of his gifts, but because they believed he would not get embroiled in the revolutionary spirit that was growing in the country.  The Holy Spirit had other ideas.

He tried to stay out of it, but then his best friend and fellow priest Rutilio Grande was shot dead in the streets for his defense of the vulnerable poor of El Salvador.  Archbishop Romero’s life was transformed overnight and he became a fearless and powerful voice for change.  He went on the radio and called for the army to put down their guns because, he said, they were killing their brothers.

Shortly thereafter, Archbishop Romero was shot and killed while saying Mass. 

The real tragedy of the Oscar Romero story is that following his death, no one picked up the challenge of defending the poor in the name of Jesus, and the civil war lasted another nine years.

No institution, or committee, or club populated by human beings is protected from jealousy, fear, ambition or indifference to the truth.  Jesus was well aware of this.  He spoke the truth to the Sanhedrin regardless of the danger to himself. Bishop Romero did the same.  He stands as a shining beacon to all who would right wrongs and work for the betterment of others.  But most of us cower in fear of doing such a thing and yet it is Christ himself who calls us to it.  So often we hesitate to speak out and to challenge, because we fear we will be all alone in doing so. But, we have the evidence in Pentecost and the lives of people like Oscar Romero that the Holy Spirit is alive and well and working with us in the world. The trick is to know it and to move forward in full confidence

The Holy Father has said in his recent Exhortation that we have an obligation to the poor, the marginalized, the abused and anyone who is rejected.  We can send money and consider ourselves righteous, but if we are silent in the face of discrimination and racism we have failed.  “To know the right thing to do and not do it is sin.”  (James 4:17)

Just as the Holy Spirit guided the disciples, the Spirit will guide us.  Call on the Spirit in every situation.  Trust that the Spirit will be your partner in your efforts to transform the world.

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA