Multiplicity
Dear St. John’s,
Like billions of people across the planet, I am enjoying the World Cup tournament this year! Although I am not an avid soccer fan, I do make an effort to tune in to this global event that occurs only once every four years.
Before each match, there is a computer-generated opening montage that features past World Cup trophy winners, animated football stars, and prominent American landmarks—one of them being the Statue of Liberty (SOL). I could not help but feel a bit saddened by this image.
On the pedestal of the SOL is a bronze plaque that reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” In her left hand, she holds a tablet with the inscription “July 4, 1776,” and her head is adorned with a crown of seven rays, representing the seven continents.
I felt a wave of sadness because the ideals the SOL espouses now ring somewhat hollow.
As I am writing this reflection, the United States has just defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the camera pans through the sea of fans celebrating the victory, there are Americans of every hue and every culture. It’s one of the things that makes our country special: the people.
This is precisely why the Supreme Court upholding birthright citizenship is so integral. Their ruling captures the identity of our nation, which is not defined by homogeneity, but by cultural variety.
It is also one of the reasons the United States Men’s National Team is doing exceptionally well this year. This is the most diverse squad they have ever fielded in World Cup history (12 Black players, 3 Latinos, and 11 White players)!
The benefits of multiplicity go far beyond soccer matches or political debates; it is the heartbeat of the Gospel. Jesus was constantly pushing past the boundaries of his Jewish heritage (meeting the Samaritan woman at the well, healing the Roman centurion’s servant, etc.). His final message to his disciples was to “go and make disciples of all nations,” because sharing the message of God’s love and grace is not for a chosen few, but for everyone.
So, as we embark on the 250th anniversary of “The Great American Experiment,” let us be cognizant of how far we’ve come, aware of how far we have yet to go, and determined to get there together.
In Christ,
Anthony+
