Celebrant reminds faithful ‘we are what we are because of Jesus’

A joyous liturgy commemorating Black History Month was celebrated at St. Matthias Church, Somerset, Feb. 22. The processional entrance was led by a group of Kenyan dancers to the beat of rhythmic music by the Kenyan Community Choir of the Diocese of Metuchen. They also led the procession with the Word of God in the Liturgy of the Word and once again in the presentation of the gifts, which also included baskets of different offerings presented by the children and youth of the parish.

The presider, Father Joseph Kabali, parochial vicar in St. Matthew Parish, Edison, emphasized, “We are what we are because of Jesus … Each and every one of us, black or white, has been hurt and has hurt others. We must learn how to forgive. We must learn to ask for forgiveness. And we must learn to forgive ourselves.” Father Kabali referenced the first reading where David had the opportunity to kill his enemy, Saul, but chose not to because “I would not harm the Lord’s anointed.” Father Kabali then continued with the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, “… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”(Lk. 6:27).

Father Kabali explained the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing that we must forgive in order to move on, for “We are what we are because of Jesus.” Father Kabali ended the homily presenting a picture of Rosa Parks, admiring her for what she did and stood for.

The beautiful intercessions were based on the Swahili values: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, a long-time parishioner, Phyllis Stone, was presented with a plaque for her 35 years of the leadership skills and service in the parish. Among the many ministries she served in, she participated in the Parish Council, led the Martin de Porres group and initiated the Social Justice Group in the parish.

Her dedicated service to the Church was indeed a gift of self, a true leader and good steward of the talents given by God to serve his people. Phyllis will be moving to South Carolina where she will continue to serve in her new parish. Phyllis’ acknowledgement truly culminated the Black History Celebration giving testimony of the importance and value of Black Catholics in the Church and in this Diocese. We are what we are because of Jesus!

Sister Miriam Perez serves as diocesan coordinator, Office of Multicultural Ministry.