Info Alert 124 January 10, 2017
"To be true followers of Jesus today includes embracing his teaching about nonviolence.
That teaching "is realistic because it takes into account that there is too much violence in the world, too much injustice. This situation cannot be overcome except by countering it with more love, more goodness. For Christians, nonviolence is not merely tactical behavior but a person's way of being. . .of one who is not afraid to tackle evil with the weapons of love and truth."
(taken from Pope Francis in his Message for the Fiftieth World Day of Peace, January 1, 2017)
Education: Active Nonviolence, Racism/Immigration
In titling his World Day of Peace Message, "Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace" (1/1/17),
Francis prays that the image and likeness of God in each person will enable us to acknowledge one another as sacred gifts endowed with immense dignity. Especially in situations of conflict, let us respect our 'deepest dignity' and make active nonviolence our way of life. The Pope refers to this message of his predecessors (JP XXIII, Paul VI) who extolled "the sense and love of peace founded upon truth, justice, freedom, and love." Francis asks God to help all of us to cultivate nonviolence in our most personal thoughts and values. He further states, 'Violence is not the cure for our broken world." Countering violence with violence leads to forced migrations, enormous suffering, diverting vast amounts of resources to military ends, away from the everyday needs of the young, the elderly, the infirm--the majority of all people. He also reminds us that efforts on behalf of victims of injustice and violence are not the legacy of the Catholic Church alone, but are typical of many religious traditions. (ideas, words excerpted from the World Day of Peace Message for 2017)
Racism: As Americans living in 2017, we fear the ongoing violence present in our hearts, our society, our political and social scene. This corrosive sin of violence is seen in the racism and blatant rejection of immigrants both nationally and locally.
Recently the US Bishops claim that prayer and local dialogue is the key to bringing peace to our neighborhoods. The Catholic Church has a "tremendous responsibility to bring people together in prayer and dialogue, to begin anew the vital work of fostering healing and lasting peace," said a report by the USCCB released January 5 in the wake of last year's incidents of violence and racial tensions. Archbishop Gregory of Atlanta, Chair of the Task Force to Promote Peace in Our Communities, said, "the church is at her absolute best when she is a bold and prophetic voice for the power of love upon which our faith is based, the love of Jesus Christ." We IHM's hope to address the evil of racism in our ongoing efforts to do justice as women of the Gospel, in our convents and in our ministries.
Let us reflect on the pope's message of active nonviolence by asking ourselves:
What does it mean for each of us personally and for our global church
that Jesus "embodied nonviolence" and "actively resisted evil?"
Prayer: Blessed are the peacemakers (not peacekeepers), You said, O Lord.
So, we ask You to forgive us for times we've caused division or misunderstanding in our communities. From conversion of the heart, lead us to a conversion in actions. Let our churches once again be centers of learning for nonviolence and just peace, centers of conversion from violence to peace, from loneliness to joy.
Action:
1. Circle the City with Love--Sunday, January 15, 2017, 3:00-3:30pm ET at locations across the nation. Learn more at www.circlecitywithlove.com.
2. For summer 2017, consider the workshop, "The Racial Divide in the U.S.: Listening to the Signs of the Times" from Sun. 7/16 to Wed. 7/19 at Mt. Providence OSP, Baltimore.
3. Call your senator (1-202-224-3121) to veto the nomination of Sessions for Attorney General (his record).
4. If you wish, copy and sign the "Vow of Nonviolence" sent as an attachment with this Info Alert.