How hasn't the world learned from Rwanda? I don't understand how something terrible has to happen for the world to realize that we need to come together as one and stop the violence. Syria is on the fast track to becoming the next genocide stricken country. Violence and harm and discrimination only lead to trouble. The people of Syria need help to get along and stop the violence.
CST has taught me that the international community must respond quickly and effectively. If there is even a threat of genocide there needs to be immediate action and intervention. I think using the seven main principles of catholic social teaching is a great guide to dealing with crises nationally and internationally. It may not be as easy because that involves countries actually working together toward the betterment of another country, but it is possible in the simplest sense: reaching out. People in general should use the seven principles, life and dignity of the human person, solidarity, participation and community, preferential option for the poor,, care for God's creation, rights and responsibilities, and finally dignity and rights of workers, as guides in their everyday lives. As a nation, the US can use these principles to help bring together the civilians as one, and work toward a closer-knit community of caring Americans. I think it is possible to do this because you don't have to identify yourself as a Catholic or even as a Christian for these principles to make sense and work. They are easy ideas to live by and even easier to follow through with if people are willing to accept each other.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Thursday, December 20, 2012
On Our Silence
Friday, December 14, 2012 will forever be a date remembered by not only American citizens, but people all over the world. The shooting in Newtown, Connecticut has impacted people in a way no other school shooting tragedy has- people feel almost a physical pull to reevaluate how we as a society deal with tragedies. The answer to recovery is not black and white and that is what society struggles with. People want an answer as to how we can fix the pain and how we can prevent this from ever happening again. Some groups want more gun laws put in place, some think the problem is the parenting of the shooter, and others think the best action is no action. However, I think in other tragedies that resemble this one, everyone's immediate response was to look at gun laws. This time I believe more people are looking into mental health issues.
The shooter had Asberger's Syndrome, but also too had maybe an affinity toward violence, or more precisely was apathetic, meaning he himself may have not felt pain, so he did not register it when causing others pain. However, this is not to say that he didn't understand what he was doing by going into Sandy Hook Elementary that morning. I think the best way to respond to this heartache is to understand more thoroughly what mental illness is and how it affects not only the one suffering from the illness, but also the people surrounded by that person. Catholic Social Teaching would say that we should pray about our struggles, understand that the shooter's family dealt with his illness day in and day out. His mother faced an endless struggle trying to raise her son and deal with his differences. As Catholics we are called to accept them as people of God, people that God created, and even though we may not be able to begin to understand why this happened, understand that our pain and heartbreak is also shared with the Lanza family. They lost two people that day too. Personally, as a catholic I do struggle with accepting the Lanzas as victims, but the truth is they are. I feel compelled to understand how hard life must have been for them because I understand what a hardship it is to be taking care of a child with any type of mental disorder.
I think moving forward it would benefit everyone to find God through the darkness. This time will be tough and the wounds will take time to heal, but God will be with us every step of the way. Everyone wants an answer, a way to deal with the shock and hurt, but there is no answer other than prayers.
The shooter had Asberger's Syndrome, but also too had maybe an affinity toward violence, or more precisely was apathetic, meaning he himself may have not felt pain, so he did not register it when causing others pain. However, this is not to say that he didn't understand what he was doing by going into Sandy Hook Elementary that morning. I think the best way to respond to this heartache is to understand more thoroughly what mental illness is and how it affects not only the one suffering from the illness, but also the people surrounded by that person. Catholic Social Teaching would say that we should pray about our struggles, understand that the shooter's family dealt with his illness day in and day out. His mother faced an endless struggle trying to raise her son and deal with his differences. As Catholics we are called to accept them as people of God, people that God created, and even though we may not be able to begin to understand why this happened, understand that our pain and heartbreak is also shared with the Lanza family. They lost two people that day too. Personally, as a catholic I do struggle with accepting the Lanzas as victims, but the truth is they are. I feel compelled to understand how hard life must have been for them because I understand what a hardship it is to be taking care of a child with any type of mental disorder.
I think moving forward it would benefit everyone to find God through the darkness. This time will be tough and the wounds will take time to heal, but God will be with us every step of the way. Everyone wants an answer, a way to deal with the shock and hurt, but there is no answer other than prayers.
Friday, December 14, 2012
On Factory Fire
I was shocked to learn about the factory fire in Bangladesh. I first heard it on a radio station on my way in to school and I didn't know what to make of it. Nothing like this would ever happen in the United States, or at least I hope it wouldn't. I think as a citizen in the US I have a responsibility and a right to know and understand where the products I buy are made. I think as a consumer buying a product I should make it my duty to know where the product comes from and what had to happen for me to be able to buy it. How did it get here, who made it, what is the factory like, are there fair wages? I understand that I would probably buy items without even considering where they are coming from or who made them, but I think it is important to start thinking that way every time I buy something. Especially after a tragedy like this.
In some ways the Bangladeshi government is at fault because I doubt they have specific laws in place to prevent something like this fire. There should be set wages that corporations must pay their employees so that the work is fair but of course the corporations could do that themselves since creating a fair work environment is morally sound. The people who work in factories like this are probably grateful that they at least have a job, because even a little money is better than none, but to sacrifice their dignity and worth is a steep price to pay for a paycheck that is barely enough to buy food. There are rights of these workers that are not being observed, which needs to be changed one way or the other. There is no reason that a company should feel the need or have the gaul to trap innocent employees in a burning building. I think something needs to be done, repercussions set so that this is a lesson for all other under developed countries that companies cannot treat their employees this way.
In some ways the Bangladeshi government is at fault because I doubt they have specific laws in place to prevent something like this fire. There should be set wages that corporations must pay their employees so that the work is fair but of course the corporations could do that themselves since creating a fair work environment is morally sound. The people who work in factories like this are probably grateful that they at least have a job, because even a little money is better than none, but to sacrifice their dignity and worth is a steep price to pay for a paycheck that is barely enough to buy food. There are rights of these workers that are not being observed, which needs to be changed one way or the other. There is no reason that a company should feel the need or have the gaul to trap innocent employees in a burning building. I think something needs to be done, repercussions set so that this is a lesson for all other under developed countries that companies cannot treat their employees this way.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
On Radical Forgiveness
Immaculee and Pope John Paul II are very much like saints. Both can forgive the person or people who have so wrongfully harmed them and altered their lives forever. It is truly amazing, the closest one can get to divine probably. I cannot even imagine being able to forgive someone, truly forgive someone for harming me and being able to move on and accept them.
In PJPII's case he forgave the man who tried to kill him. An act of God saved him, so I can see why he found it in himself to forgive him since he knew God was with him and He would protect him. PJP and Immaculee are remarkable people. Forgiving someone who purposefully and consciously tried to cause harm to you is something I myself cannot imagine doing. They say to be able to forgive is divine, so in a sense I guess I will always be trying to achieve that, but Immaculee and PJP succeeded by leaps and bounds and now serve as very important role models in this instance.
In PJPII's case he forgave the man who tried to kill him. An act of God saved him, so I can see why he found it in himself to forgive him since he knew God was with him and He would protect him. PJP and Immaculee are remarkable people. Forgiving someone who purposefully and consciously tried to cause harm to you is something I myself cannot imagine doing. They say to be able to forgive is divine, so in a sense I guess I will always be trying to achieve that, but Immaculee and PJP succeeded by leaps and bounds and now serve as very important role models in this instance.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
On a Messy World
When I hear about injustices or tragedies in the news or by word of mouth, I sometimes do not know how to respond. Sometimes I am moved so deeply that I actually find a way to help. Other times I can brush it off and feel empathy but not the need to help. I think through the Gospel we are taught to take to heart the suffering and injustices we hear about and try to do something about them. I will be the first to admit that it is hard to find a way to help in an injustice that happens across the globe. If I am not immediately affected by something it is hard to make a connection to it and understand fully the repercussions. When we hear stories of women being abused and degraded in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, i understand how horrific that is, but since I am not directly affected and those countries are so far away, I don't think I can help. The Gospel basically tells us we ought to take what we hear seriously and do anything we can to stop it. The article says that basically reacquainting ourselves with the seriousness of the injustices we hear about or see on a day to day basis is the key to making a difference. When we hear about deaths or injustice daily it desensitizes us to the seriousness of the offenses. According to the article, prayer may just be the answer in helping us to sensitize ourselves with the situations in a hope to relate to them. I think any method that tries to make people realize the seriousness of the worldwide injustices and suffering that takes place every day will help. Prayer or familiarization of the happenings or just a want to know what happens outside of our communities can help. Also when faced with terrible news like starving children or mass amounts of people without homes, its easy to think that a single person can't help, so why bother. But in reality, it takes a lot of people who want to help but don't know how coming together and making a difference.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
On Global Solidarity
After reading the article I was appalled. The lack of respect and basic human rights that women around the world have to face is not only horrific, but also quite barbaric. Being a strong, independent twenty first century woman it is hard for me to understand why women in countries such as Afghanistan don't just stand up for themselves as for other women and just stop the cycle. But unlike them, when I feel the need to stand up for myself I do not face death or equally harsh punishments. Through catholic social teaching we learn to respect God's creation because everyone has a right to live, and we are called to help those who are less fortunate than us. The leaders in the countries that oppress women should take action and start protecting the rights of those citizens. But the responsibility is not exclusive to those countries, it is imperative that anyone who hears about situations like this tries to help in any way, even if it's just talking about it because normally these tragedies are not plastered on the front pages of news outlets. Just getting the word out about how women are treated world wide is helping.
When tragedies such as hurricanes or tsunamis take place, people all over the world feel the need to donate time or money or food and clothing or just a helping hand. Why isn't it the same when a woman is unjustly murdered or harmed? One of the reasons is that when a natural disaster takes place, it is common knowledge, but when a woman is in danger, the news story is lucky to make it on the bottom of the screen in the quick stories box. The difference in reaction is due somewhat to media outlets, but also on the people. Not all people in the world share the view that everyone is created equal and so everyone should be treated equally. Some may think it is okay to treat women unjustly. Some may have concerns but don't know how to help. I think the not knowing how to help situation is a very wide spread problem because I know sometimes I feel like I don't know how to help a situation. I have learned though that just talking about it and trying to get people to pay attention to stories like this is helping.
Monday, October 8, 2012
On the Year of Faith
I think Bishop Ricken's ideas on how to live out the year of faith are great. They're simple and doable which reassures people that being a practicing catholic isn't so hard. It also is a great way to educate people on the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council.
Throughout my catholic education I have learned how to celebrate Christian style. If I had to choose only five ways to celebrate the Year of Faith I would have to choose:
1. Going to and participating in mass. I go every week but sometimes I don't pay attention or I'm distracted with other plans so the priest and his message aren't always my main focus. Throughout this year it will be my goal to pay attention as thoroughly as I would in say, Catholic Social Teaching class. It's important to listen to and understand the Gospel readings every week.
2. Bring friends and family to mass. I always end up dragging my friends with me to the 5:30 Saturday evening masses because it hardly interferes with our plans. If I go on Sunday it's with my family and I always have to drag at least on of my brothers out of bed. Attending church has changed my life significantly and I just want that for my friends and family.
3. Volunteering is an essential part of practicing my faith and celebrating the Year of Faith. No matter how big or small the act is, helping is helping. I see people in need all the time, and I always feel called to help in any way I can. I think that especially during the Year of Faith people are encouraged to volunteer time or donate money to those who really need it.
4. Participate in parish activities. I am still an active member in my parish's youth ministry. We help in a lot of different aspects of the parish such as the parish picnic and fundraisers. I think being a part of youth ministry has brought me closer to my faith and has made me realize practicing my faith doesn't have to be a hassle, it's fun!
5. Promoting your local catholic schools. My grade school merged with another local grade school and is now called St. Katherine Drexel Regional School. I loved my grade school. St. Bedes will forever be one of my favorite experiences. I take any chance I get to explain what a catholic education is all about. I appreciate the people who actually listen to me and consider checking into the school. Same goes with high schools. I talk about Mount to anyone who will listen. I believe to keep the spirit alive we have to get the message out to those who do not hear it every day, especially during such a special time in the church.
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