I preached on racism this weekend. I thought the occasion of Pentecost and the readings absolutely warranted it.

I've seen a lot of you ask it of your priest, too. I think that's good, especially given the innumerable times I've been asked to preach on other life issues.

But I do have a concern for when the homily becomes the sole locus for these conversations. Because it isn't a conversation, there isn't any dialogue.

Issues like racism warrant a broader platform and more than the liturgy should be tasked to provide.

Reflecting on this, I've never received more positive feedback in my pastoral ministry than when I preached on immigration and followed it with a presentation on Catholic Social Teaching and another night devoted to viewing "El Norte" and discussing it.

Giving your parishioners the avenue to engage in this dialogue is only fitting. We are afraid to have these necessary discussions because we are afraid of the prejudices which they might reveal. But they are purifying and will allow us to more richly reap the fruit of His kingdom

So, yes, preach on racism but I would just ask this of my brother priests and of the lay faithful:

What's next? Because a homily, although a start, is not enough. #CatholicTwitter