The events of 2020 show that Americans still struggle to achieve social justice, writes Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia in a July 4 reflection. Yet we can take note of what we have survived so far.

Juneteenth, when we celebrate the freedom of slaves in the United States, is a good time to reflect on ancient prophets who have much in common with today’s activists.

Black and brown Americans continue to speak out against police misconduct and pervasive racism across the United States, writes Olga Segura. The church has an opportunity to show that it is listening.

Children are grieving the absence of their teachers and schoolmates, writes Sister Rosemarie Nassif of the Center for Catholic Education. We can teach them to adapt to, and overcome, this disturbance in their lives.

For now, the overall picture is dark, writes Leo O‘Donovan, S.J., of Jesuit Refugee Service USA, but we must still work for our brothers and sisters so that hope can endure and even blossom.

For some, a deadly pandemic may confirm their disbelief in any higher power, writes Juan Vidal, but the picture is larger than what we can see with our eyes.