Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We all like to feel that we are in charge, that we control the things that surround us. We do not need help. We are self-sufficient. Then the world comes crashing down upon us. Mother Nature demonstrates her power over the environment, and we are just in her way.

Remarkably, in just three weeks we experienced two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton. Helene continued her route over our southern states and Milton tore across Florida. All the power of our government could do nothing but watch as the hurricanes made their way to the United States. We are the most powerful nation on the face of the Earth, yet we were helpless before the power of Mother Nature. All we could do was watch the progression and prepare for the inevitable. We held our breath as every news station followed the winds, rain and the surge. In the mountains of North Carolina, mud slides and trees trapped individuals who lived in rural areas. The storm swept away houses near riverfronts and tore roofs off auditoriums. Power was cut off and people scrambled for fresh water. We were brought to our knees and prayed for lives to be spared. We were reminded that there is one to whom we owe our ultimate allegiance — our God, to whom we must in humility acknowledge is the all-powerful being. When confronted by such ultimate destruction, we can only turn to God.

In the midst of suffering, our Lord makes His presence manifest. There were various acts of kindness. One journalist was reporting the story near a road covered with three to four feet of water when he heard a woman trapped in her car call for help. The reporter called out to her that the rescue team was on the way. But she was crying out in panic. He stopped the broadcast and waded out to her. From her partially submerged car, he placed her on his back and brought her to safety. In countless other situations, first responders put themselves in danger when they used their skills to save people from rising waters and navigated around exposed electrical wires. There was a call for other men and women throughout the United States who were moved to volunteer their services. They exercised their charity out of concern for their brothers and sisters. Charitable organizations arrived with assistance because there were brothers and sisters in need. They were all beacons of hope to many who lost everything.

Sometimes the worst of times brings out the best of us. In these politically divisive times, rather than accentuating the things that divide us, we can celebrate those things that unite us. We can experience those who are suffering as our brothers and sisters — fellow citizens who need us. These are our neighbors. It does not matter if they are black, white, brown or yellow, male or female, young or old, conservative or liberal. They are our neighbors in need of help.

As Christians, Matthew 25 tells us of our responsibility toward our brothers and sisters: Lord, when did I see you in need and give you to eat or drink … When you did it for the least of my brethren you did it for me. We now have an opportunity to respond, in whatever way possible, to those in need and follow Christ’s command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee          

Note: This blog originally appeared as the October 15, 2024, "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.