When I read Br. Abada's reflection, I was very moved by his statements and disgusted at what he's discovered in relation to “extrajudicial killings” and “enforced disappearances.” I guess I just assigned this sort of thing to Hollywood movies, even though I've heard about it at one of our Youth meetings at church. Deep down I know that poverty can truly be eradicated if there is careful and unbiased planning in the appropriate political streams; however, the voice of the leader of our Justice Committee rings true in my mind: 'We've got to stand up against poverty, but unfortunately, those who make any progress on the political front have given themselves a death sentence in many situations.' It's shameful to see our world in this light. After our meeting with the Justice Committee, I couldn't help but to feel helpless. In discussing it further with my peers, I've resolved to do little things that I can and pray the rest through. I'm currently focused on feeding and working with the homeless here in Grande Prairie; to my surprise there is a great need here!
In his reflection, Br. Abada also helped me to see the freedom and gift of individuality that I have received from God, and have constant access to through Christ! I enjoyed his explanation of the Scotus concept of “univocity of being.” I can't help but to wonder what our world would look like if all humankind could look at one another in this light; but I guess if this happened, it could also be a good indication of the Second Coming of Christ! (please excuse the sarcasm...).
Peace and All Good,
Niki
Hi Nikki,
I just read your reflection after reading John Paul II Dives in Misericordia. He speaks of God as 'rich in mercy'. In particular he argued that mercy results in a restoration of dignity in a manner more than human-based justice can ever achieve. Especially when you see reference to extrajudical killings and how poverty completly destroys all human dignity, I realize that it JPII was right that justice alone doesn't go far enough. JPII said it better (of course!)
However, the equality brought by justice is limited to the realm of objective and extrinsic goods, while love and mercy bring it about that people meet one another in that value which is man himself, with the dignity that is proper to him. At the same time, "equality" of people through "patient and kind" love does not take away differences: the person who gives becomes more generous when he feels at the same time benefitted by the person accepting his gift; and vice versa, the person who accepts the gift with the awareness that, in accepting it, he too is doing good is in his own way serving the great cause of the dignity of the person; and this contributes to uniting people in a more profound manner. Thus, mercy becomes an indispensable element for shaping mutual relationships between people, in a spirit of deepest respect for what is human, and in a spirit of mutual brotherhood. It is impossible to establish this bond between people, if they wish to regulate their mutual relationships solely according to the measure of justice.
Just something to think about for JPIC. Justice is a good first step, but we are called to even do more. We are called to exhibit mercy.
Pax, Pat