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August 30, 2008
Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Taking the Heat
Most folks in Chicago’s South Side remember vividly the events that occurred at the Church of St. Sabina this past summer. Father Michael Pfleger, pastor there for the past 30 years, incurred the wrath of some Chicago Catholics for remarks he made at a neighboring non-Catholic church regarding Hillary Clinton’s nomination for President. Events became so heated that Cardinal George decided to give Father Pfleger two weeks off for rest and reflection.
Several points must be noted, however. First, Michael Pfleger is white although people say he thinks and preaches like black pastor.
Moreover, he has worked hard to assist the Black community improve living conditions on this Southside area: He has made war on drug dealers, reported to the police liquor stores that made sales to minors; he has prevented gun skirmishes between gangs, fought discrimination and more. The Catholic population at St. Sabina has risen from several hundred to over two thousand during his pastorate. In short Michael Pfleger has been the salvation of those who live in the area of St. Sabina. He is, without a doubt a social and religious activist.
Some say, of course, that he is a “grandstander” one who seeks attention by preaching like Black pastors. Of course, his parishioners are predominately black. So, that tells a tale.
Michael Pfleger has received a great deal of hate mail and threatening phone calls over his style of pastoring and preaching. His response is that he has fought for justice and equality since the day, as a teenager, he heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak in Grant Park. That is when his mission for justice first began.
My feeling is that Father Pfleger, despite his particular style, is truly a prophet. He speaks prophetic words for which he often “takes the heat.” He’s ok with that.
The scriptures: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27
Posted by Cindy Lentine on August 30, 2008 01:58 PM.
