REFLECTION 3: Working Together for Justice

 

 

We plant the seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.

We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capacities.

-Oscar Romero, The Violence of Love, compiled and translated by James R. Brockman, Orbis, 2004

 

“We ourselves are part of creation, formed out of the earth, and dependent on the rest of creation for our continued existence.”

–The Call of Creation, God’s invitation and the human response, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. IV: Rediscovering moral and criptural foundations

 

...aid alone will never be enough, nor will investment or gifts, or loans. It is not enough to conquer hunger or put an end to poverty. Our goal must be to build a world – a world developed to the full, so much so that all men and women, no matter what their race or creed, can live a truly human life.

-Populorum Progressio #45 & 47

 

“Love of neighbor, grounded in love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful, but it is also a responsibility for the entire ecclesiastical community at every level.”

– Pope Benedict XVI Deus Caritas Est no. 20]

 

Gracious Lord,

as we seek to explore your word,

give us ears to hear

eyes to see

and hearts to love

that we may be good news to the poor,

an example to the rich

and a challenge to each other,

for Christ’s sake.

Amen.         - Anonymous

 

 

__Readings and Articles__

Here are suggested readings to introduce groups to livesimply. Use the reflection questions in the next section to guide your discussion.

 

Click on titles to be transferred to original readings

1. Building a shared world, Lesley-Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas International [click here for link]

 

2. This Fatal Complacency, Desmond Tutu, former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town [click here for link]

 

3. "Live Simply - let others live" by Ed Echlin [click here for link]

 

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__Reflection Questions__

 

Discuss the following in small groups, or reflect by yourself and share.

 

Psalm 133.1 reminds us of our solidarity with all people of the earth. Think about these questions in relation to our shared human existence.

 

Was there one time when you experienced the shared “experience of love and joy... that offers us a vision of hope?” What were you doing, and how did you feel?

How can we improve the relationships in our lives? Our relationship to the poor? The earth? Are there any relationships we need to work on especially?

Do you feel that you have any responsibility for the well-being of other people, especially those who are poor?

What are some of the gifts and skills in your community? How can we share these with those around us?

 

Desmond Tutu reminds us that climate change has made poverty even more severe for those on the margins of society. How can we respond?

What are some things in your community that keep everyone from living simply? What could you do together to fix these?

Are we satisfied with the current state of the world?

What sort of world do we want to live in and help create? To get there, what changes am I ready to make to my life? How can I do this in my family? Community? Country?

Problems like climate change, pollution, and deforestation have an unequal impact, as poor and vulnerable communities suffer more. How could we address both causes of this unequal impact, and its effects? As a group, list political, social, and economic changes that would help prevent these realities from continuing.

 

The third reading, Ed Echlin’s work, talks about the impact of our choices on developing countries. The reading also stresses our human need to work together to achieve growth, with a need to overcome the trends that feed severe individualism.

Think about your life:

What is one problem I see in the world right now? What needs to be done in order to fix it? How can our community work to change it?

Do I do all I can to share what I have with others who have less?

St. Ambrose said, “The earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich.” How would the world change if people lived out this reality?

Are we bothered by anything happening in the world? Who can we pray for, and where should we start?

What is the responsibility of the richest countries in the world like Ireland? Are the policies of our government appropriate in their treatment of the poor at home and abroad, or do you feel that we should be doing something else? Tell your TD about your concerns or work with an NGO to lobby policymakers.

 

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__Activities and Actions__

 

Use these suggestions for activities to put your thoughts into action!

 

Sometimes individual actions do not seem to be enough to counter injustice and make an impact. Although individual actions may sometimes seem insignificant, the work of many people can transform. Think about the way that your community can come together to work for justice.

 

Take the livesimply COMMUNITY CHALLENGE. Just follow these simple steps:

 

1. Think about the communities to which you belong - it could be a small one like the florists at church, or a big one like a secondary school - and bring this group together.

2. Together, reflect on the gifts you have, and think about the things you are passionate about and the organisations you would like to support.

3. Look at the community challenges on the livesimply CD and on the website www.livesimply.ie, choose your top couple of challenges and click on the links. Each Challenge has its own page with everything you need to get involved. You can also create your own, and share your ideas with others.

4. Celebrate your success! Take photos, write an article, send them in to us at Progressio Ireland and to your local diocesan paper.

 

 

Sharing the Message

Recall how, as a group, you have reflected on the meaning of living simply in the world. You made a personal promise to make a small change to your lifestyle, and you came together as a community to work for justice by undertaking a community challenge. A lot has been achieved already – now it is time to spread the word!

 

How can you share livesimply with others?

Here are some ideas for practical measures that you can take to spread the network.

 

Are there acquaintances or organizations who you think might benefit from the the project? Invite them to talk with you, and share your ideas with them.

 

Write about and celebrate your success. Send it to livesimply, or submit an article to a local newspaper or parish bulletin.

 

Place a poster in your church or community centre, and send out postcards to friends and other groups informing them about livesimply.

 

Is your church living sustainably? Look at the EcoCongregation website, www.ecocongregation.org to guide your assessment and actions in creating a more green parish.

 

Feel free to think of your own ideas, too!

 

Think of ways we could encourage ourselves and others to live more simply and to care about the environment. How can we overcome obstacles to positive change?

Are there things you can do together as a community to reinforce the livesimply lifestyle? Are there other issues that you care about and want to work to change? Get together regularly to talk and reflect.

 

How can you help to build a network? Work with other livesimply groups to change lifestyles and to share ideas at www.livesimply.ie.