Silence begets violence?

The shooting at the elementary school in Connecticut was truly heartbreaking. The numerous facebook statuses, and tweets about the situation show that those around use really care about our neighboring state and the community of Newtown. I can't help but feel the sorrow for the children, families and community effected by the actions of one person. It is hard for me to even fathom how someone could have the power to commit such a horrific crime let alone even think about doing so. As Catholics it is our responsibility to protect those around us. If you think about it, not only did this boy effect the school and Newtown, Connecticut, but people all over the world are talking about it and praying for the victims. I mean look at us, we even have a blog dedicated to the situation. The question of gun control has come up. The laws are being questioned, whether or not people should be allowed guns or not. To be honest, I feel that if guns were illegal people would find other ways to commit these awful acts of terror.  It is important for us to discuss this situation so that we can find solutions and ways to prevent these acts of hatred from happening. As a society, it is our job to stop the repeated cycle of terrible acts. We are put on this earth to not only see the good in others, but also better others around us as well as ourselves.

Factory Fire

I feel that it is a disgrace that we as Americans are buying products that are produced in factories that do not allow the rights that us as Americans have Almost everything we own are made in factories by hardworking people who are put in dangerous situations similar to the Bangladesh fire. As consumers it is our responsibility to consider where these products are coming from. If corporations and the government do not take actions, we as citizens must do something to insist on their actions. How do we expect to have our rights while those providing for us do not. When it comes to wages, I think we need to understand that in order to give fair "living" wages the items are going to cost a lot more. This is why fair trade products are so expensive. At times we want want want for less but we forget who is not getting properly compensated for that "amazing deal" we just got. This story of the Bangladesh fire is just one example that has been brought to our attention while this is happening everyday all over the world.

Radical Forgiveness

Pope John Paul II's willing to forgive shows us what it is to be a true follower of Jesus. Through both Immaculeé and the Pope's example we can strive to act like them. I find them very similar because they have both forgiven people who have either attempted to kill them or successfully killed their family. Both visited the sinners and expressed their forgiveness for their previous actions. 

I don't know how they faced those who tried to kill them or their family. I look up to both Immaculeé and the Pope because they have done the unthinkable. These two were able and/or live a normal life. They go/went on with their routine and accepted the past experiences. I feel that they were able to cointinue with their life because they came to terms with what happened, accepted it, forgave those involved and moved on. Although, I am sure that these people have thought about this everyday of their lives, they have decided to take the positive and pray for the well-being of that person, the greater good. Pope John Paul II and Immaculeé are extraordinary human beings who we should all aspire to be as Catholics. 

How's the world?...Messy

When these injustices are brought to my attention I feel like I need to take a stand. I find it hard to understand that these stories of immense suffering actually occur because I am not effected by them. When I heard these stories from my friends, I try to comfort them because I understand that it is hard for one person, especially a teenager to take a stand. As a Catholic, it is our responsibility to do something in hopes of stoping these injustices. The Gospel teaches us to do our part, whether it be big or small. The article tells us it is important for us to do what we can. Although we may not be able to stop these injustices alone, every effort helps. I think it is important for us to do what we can, and make those around us aware of these injustices.

Global Solidarity

    Solidarity is a theme of Catholic Social Teachings (CST) that should be followed. After reading this article about the Afghan woman who was beheaded because she did not want to lose her dignity and become a prostitute I find it hard to believe that we would even question helping. It is our responsibility as a community to protect the rights of all human beings. When the dignity of a human being is at risk, it is vital to call those around us for help. Because these situations seem miniscule to a natural disaster such as a tsunami or hurricane people are more inclined to help those who are in a state of devastation. When these natural disasters occur, millions of people are affected whereas when a single girl is killed for the sake of her dignity, it is not as often called to our attention. I feel that people are more inclined to help a group of people versus one or two. As Catholics, it is our job to be aware of the problems of a large and small scale. The problem of forced prostitution is as great or greater then a sudden natural disaster. Each person deserves their rights and it is equally our responsibility to respect them.

Circle of Protection

      The Circle of Protection is a group working towards the needs of the poorest and the most vulnerable. They asked both President Obama and Governor Romney how they plan to help and protect these people. Their response videos made it clear that they are both in full support of the Circle of Protection and are going to work to help the less fortunate. President Obama feels that it is his responsiblility as both the president and a human being, to help the most vulnerable. He feels that each person should have the right to a stable job, with fair wages, the chance to buy a home, healthcare for everyone, and opportunity to have retirement even if you are not the richest. He feels that we can pay down our debt in a balanced and responsible way, but we can not ask the poor, sick or disabled to sacrifice more then they already have. President Obama stated that he knows that every tax dollar isn't spent the best way and the government can not fix every problem, but it is our responsibility as a country to look out for those around us, because that is the true protection.
    Governor Romney begins by thanking those who are already helping the less fortunate. He mentions that at this time in recent history, it is most important that we help those around us. He states several record breaking statistics and mentions that every one in every six Americans are in poverty. He believes that we can and do better by restoring the economy and reducing the debt. By doing this we have the resources to help our "brothers and sisters." He explains his five part job to help the economy and provide jobs. He intends to make budget cuts. His goal is to have more people on the payroll and less on welfare bowls. Governor Romney promises to support the Circles for Protection.
    After viewing both President Obama and Governor Romney's video responses, I can see both strengths and weaknesses of each. I feel that Governor Romney's response feels more appealing because he states a specific plan to help the economy, and when the economy is successful there are less in poverty and we are able to help those who are still in need effectively.

Project HOME Works for Justice

Project HOME has the right attitude on helping others. Rather than just giving charity, Project HOME has found away to ensure justice to the homeless in the Philadelphia area. They work for justice by providing the homeless with steps to success. By offering original charity, Project HOME's works turn into justice. There are several programs within Project HOME in the hopes to break the homeless cycle. Project HOME provides entry-level housing, transitional housing, permanent housing in addition to offering affordable supportive services. They offer more affordable housing options to help the homeless continue to thrive.

I feel that Project HOME's strategy for the homeless, allows them to feel empowered and offers opportunities to people who are willing to change their lives. Project HOME helps their members find jobs and education. By enforcing this, they are teaching the homeless how to live on their own. I think that Education and Employment is the most important program that Project HOME offers. Education and employment tend to be the two reasons that people either succeed or not. This gives people who can't afford education or can not get a job an opportunity. Project HOME is a wonderful organization that is changing multiple lives at a time.

 

Should we forgive Osama Bin Laden?

The question of forgiving Osama Bin Laden has never really come to mind. My initial reaction to this question is No, why would I forgive a man who has hurt my country and more importantly the people of my country. The concept of forgiveness is hard to fathom when I think of so many people who lost their lives from 9/11 and the many people who are still affected today. 

Mike Hayes explains that forgiveness should always be offered. Although forgiveness should be offered, must we forgive if the person is not truly sorry? If Osama Bin Laden wanted forgiveness, would he have asked? Finally Hayes states that whether we are happy to or not, it is important for us to forgive Osama Bin Laden, because if we don't we are more like him and less like God. 

Each day we strive to act more like God and follow Jesus's example. One example that comes to mind is the story of the two sons. The one son takes his inheritance, leaves home, spends it frivolously and comes home begging for help. While the other son saves his inheritance, stays home and works wit his father. When the first son returns, his father is elated and throws him a party. Because he does this, the second son is very upset that his brother is being treated with such importance, after all he was the more responsible son. Jesus teaches us that the father was able to forgive his son simply do to his love for him. 

It is hard for me to come to a final decision on whether I should forgive Osama Bin Laden or not. I feel that at this point in my life, I will try to work towards forgiveness. I know that this forgiveness will not come quick, but in the hopes of being more like God rather than Osama Bin Laden, I will work towards this.