BY BOB FUSELIER
Los Alamos

I have been encouraged by recent stories witnessing the effort of those within the Catholic Church – the Church in which I was raised – as they explain how their opposition to the use of force, fear, and lies against the marginalized and those protecting them is based on the Gospel teachings of Jesus.

I have hope; I have hope because our Pope and many Catholic cardinals, bishops, and pastors are willing, along with many from other churches, to remind us of how Jesus spoke out against those who held both religious and civil authority and who oppressed those on the edge of the society of His time. These Christians join those from other faiths and walks of life who stand in solidarity in support of the marginalized and oppressed in our great country.

My hope tells me I must stand with and support those who use nonviolent resistance against those who continue to violate both the Gospel values I hold dear and our Constitution itself.

Through this hope I hear the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“I’m concerned about a better world. I’m concerned about justice; I’m concerned about brotherhood; I’m concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about that, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder hate through violence. Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that.”

May we all open our hearts to the infinite Love of our Creator. May we all be the light.