Pax Christi USA mourns and prays for the families and loved ones of those who are targeted with violence. We deplore any use of violence, any attempts to intimidate, silence or harm others.
In light of the rise in both attempted and fatal targeted physical violence on political figures (most recently Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro), the horrific shootings at schools, churches, and other gathering spaces, and the targeted violence, denial of due process and deportation faced by immigrants*, we recall the Gospel reading for today, September 11, 2025, where Jesus gives us the mandate to “love our enemies.”
This is the core teaching of the spirituality of nonviolence and the most radical lesson of Jesus.
Militarism, nativism, racism, and White nationalism are, in the words of Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Fr. Bryan Massingale, “soul sicknesses” which have infected the United States since its founding. Our country is in a deeply dangerous situation, with these sicknesses, in addition to divisive language and contorted truths, driving a chasm between neighbors and relatives.
We as Pax Christi USA know in our hearts and from experience that there is another way, the nonviolent way of Jesus and the many witnesses throughout history – like the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows – who have chosen collective restorative justice over punitive retribution; reconciliation rather than retaliation; calling in instead of calling out; and using nonviolent spirituality, tools, and strategies to address systemic, cultural, and physical violence.
All of these practices provide the gift of discernment and clarity to see through the partisan culture wars and manufactured polarization to address the root causes of conflict.
Let us turn to the Gospel mandate of Jesus and the nonviolence of the Cross to love our enemies…
Gospel reading for September 11, 2025
Luke 6: 27-38
Jesus said:
“To you who hear I say: love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. When they slap you on one cheek, turn and give them the other; when they take your coat, let them have your shirt as well.
Give to all who beg from you. When someone takes what is yours, don’t demand it back. Do to others what you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit does that do you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. If you do good only to those who do good to you, what credit does that do you? Even ‘sinners’ do as much.
If you lend to those you expect to repay you, what credit does that do you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to other ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full.
Love your enemies and do good to them. Lend without expecting repayment, and your reward will be great. You’ll rightly be called children of the Most High, since God is good even to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be compassionate, as your loving God is compassionate. Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Pardon, and you’ll be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you; a full measure – packed down, shaken together and running over – will be poured into your lap. For the amount you measure out is the amount you’ll be given back.”
The Inclusive New Testament
*Text slightly edited from original post
Today’s Gospel clearly states the mission of every Catholic. We are to reach out in friendship and love to everyone. Others “should know we are Christians by our love.” May we lay down our words that stir up untamed emotions that may lead others and ourselves into sin. Lord, may we be instruments of your peace. Amen.
Deacon Terry Barber, ofs
Our local pax christi group read this statement and appreciates a lot that was said, but the fourth paragraph that lists the many isms…. sexism is glaringly mmissing.As Monsignor Kousman reminded us, sexism needs to be clearly called out along with the other isms..