Call to Family, Community, Participation

Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.  Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied.  Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh…. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.  But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep."  (Lk 6:20)

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Jesus taught that the “politics” of the Kingdom of God starts with “the least of these.” Lord, Help us to examine every moral, social, and political issue based on how it affects the poor.  The New York State Legislature is in the process of making decisions on the 2012-13 state budget. Decisions are being made now that will affect child care support that enables people to work to support their families. Ask your Assembly Member and Senator to support:  A.8101 Titus/S.5586, Savino, which would provide for additional childcare.   In addition, ask that the Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs not be eliminated. These fund senior housing in small towns where poor seniors are often otherwise isolated.

Find your legislators at http://www.nysenate.gov/contact and http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?sh=search.  Enter your street address and zip code.

This Social Justice Challenge was written by Kathleen Castillo, MA, MAPM.  Mrs. Castillo is Director of Field Education at Christ the King Seminary. These Challenges are based on the Seven Deadly Sins  according to GhandiJanuary 1, 2012.  This question came from a reader: What do you think about Bernie Madoff and ponzi schemes, get rich quick schemes; that is Wealth without work?  My first thought is that the reader who sent in this question has hit the nail right on the head.  Here is a link to a discussion on the value of work in the Christian tradition.  When I then tried to think about "What would Jesus say?" and more over "What did Jesus say?" all I could remember was the parable of the servants who invested the money (talents) entrusted to them by their master and the master's response that he reaps what he does not sow.  There is so much more.  Looking all the way back to Genesis, we see a reference to God's labor and rest (2:2-3).  You can read more from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops above.  Next week, we will look at another "sin."  If you have anything to add, please complete a "Contact Us" form.  

January 8, 2012.  What about lying to get something you want or sex without commitment?  These things are popularized in the entertainment industry.  Jesus was even more clear about marriage commitment than the Jews were.  Here is a secular website that talks about the same thing.  We can learn about God's plan for our lives by listening to homilies at Mass, reading the Bible (and other books)  or attending religious education programs/discussion groups.  This simple guide to making ethical decisions can be quite valuable when you also apply what you have learned about God's plan for life.  This website is written for teens and offers a Catholic perspective.

January 15, 2012.  There are many examples such as the so-called Octo-Mom and the example brought up by our reader of embryonic cell research. What's the big deal, you may ask about experimenting with cells from aborted babies?  Doesn't this at least provide some good from the evil?  The answer is simple, good cannot come from evil.  The outcome cannot justify the means.  Jesus valued all people, treating them with respect, even tax collectors and those who were sinners.  

February 1, 2012.  Knowledge without character.  "That is, an individual knowledge would be of no value if he fails to possess good behavior that will shape his knowledge toward repect for the human dignity in the society."  Here is a link to an essay on the subject.  The Catholic Church has tackled similar issues.  Consider all of the knowledge that it has been theorized could come from embryonic stem cell research.  It is important to consider not only how the knowledge itself is to be used, but how it is to be obtained.  That is, the end does not justify the means.