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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

On The Circle of Protection

Obama states that he believes “poverty is a moral issue.” He believes that as one moves up on the socioeconomic scale it is his or her job to help those below them move up as well. He wants everyone to work together to create a nation that helps anyone who needs it.

Romney appreciates all those people throughout America who have worked so selflessly to help those less fortunate than themselves. Romney believes American people will overall be benefitted by job creation. Providing jobs for the jobless will decrease the unemployment rate, increase economic growth and help distribute more wealth among those who previously did not have it.

The Church teaches that those who can help should. The most meaningful donations are not always monetary. The Church is against a socialist economy, or giving what a working American rightfully earns, and giving it to another who is deemed more needy. Everyone deserves to keep what he or she earns from working, but there is a moral obligation to give what one can to aid those who may not have the opportunity to make a living. President Obama talked a lot about solidarity throughout America and providing for those who cannot provide for themselves. Mitt Romney talked about job creation and the positive ramifications of not giving to those who need it but supplying them with an opportunity to make it themselves. Both have a great outlook on aiding the poor because obviously they both are eager to help. That eagerness is really what America needs to kick start a movement in everyone and realize that helping those who need it is beneficial to the greater good.

On Project H.O.M.E.

Project Home works to create a better life for those who are homeless. Homeless people are often ignored or looked down on and Project Home tries to show people that it can truly happen to anyone and it’s a problem that can be solved with a little help from people who care enough to change the cycle. I think Project home not only offers charity to the homeless but also those who help the homeless because it gives people a chance to provide help in a way that makes a physical and noticeable difference peoples’ lives.

Project Home gives people chances. They help create a sense of worth in the people they help and teach them to become self-sufficient. Project Home not only provides a shelter and job opportunities, but sustainability as well. The people who go through the Project Home program leave with something they didn’t have before: hope. So yes, Project Home does more than other homeless shelters because they help the people get up on their own two feet. It is definitely a better way to help those people because they become independent of aid and can in turn become mentors or motivations for others who are struggling as they did.

I think the most important program offered by Project Home is the opportunities for employment. This is a crucial part in the Project Home program because it gives the people in the program a job. Something to wake up for everyday knowing that doing their best at this job can and will help them create a better life for themselves. It helps the homeless people become self-sufficient, or at least learn how to become self-sufficient. Helping people find a job they like and are good at creates a confidence in them that will motivate the rest of their actions to reflect those of independent individuals able to care for themselves and their families.

On Forgiving Osama Bin Laden

People are called to be like God. 
God forgives everyone. 
So, in theory I would be called to forgive Osama Bin Laden. 

Forgiving him shows that I can seperate his actions from my feelings and grow as a person while becoming more like God. To be able to forgive is truly devine and of course I would like to be able to, but in this case, I cannot forgive Osama Bin Laden.

It is my dearest belief that people do not always deserve what is handed to them, though how they handle it is very showing of their character. Bin Laden deserved his punishment, he deserved to be a hated man for what he did. In my opinion Bin Laden does not deserve my forgiveness. He has done nothing to show that he deserves it or even wants it. I am a very understanding person but my forgiveness is something that needs to be earned. 

The Catholic Church teaches me to forgive even if the one I am forgiving does not deserve it. I understand that my belief on forgiving Bin Laden goes against what I have been taught my entire life, and that is something I will have to work on, but at this point in my life I don't think I am ready to forgive Bin Laden for what he did to this country. I was not directly effected from the losses caused by 9/11 but I will never forget the complete fear the event instilled in me. The shock and horror of the even still haunts me and those I am close to so it's hard to move past the feelings and forgive the man who caused said feelings.