Catholic Commission for Social Justice
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & AMMR
“The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty!” — Pope Francis.
Today, as we observe World Day of the Poor, and begin Justice, Peace and Community Week, let’s reflect on the role that each of us is playing in building God’s Kingdom on earth.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & AMMR
“Generosity is the predisposition to love open-handedly. Our hands matter, both literally and symbolically. In the open hand, our palms are up, and our fingers extended. A closed hand is usually a clenched fist, tightly grasping what it wants to keep or tensely preparing for battle. To be generous requires that we open our hands” (Gregory Spencer).
Reflecting on today’s gospel, Mark 12:38–44, gives us an opportunity to prepare to observe World Day of the Poor next Sunday, November 14.
by Zahirah Mohammed, Child Friendly Spaces Support Officer, CCSJ/AMMR
“None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice” – Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG), The Joy of the Gospel [201].
Our Catholic faith is a ‘contract’ of our responsibilities and unconditional duties to society. At our baptism, we ‘sign’ this non-negotiable contract.
By Shelly-Ann T Simon, Case Management Officer – Alternative Care, CCSJ & AMMR, rcsocialjustice.org
Very often, we hear conversations about poverty where there is always some debate about what poverty is and what it is not. Some persons even argue that the concept of poverty is not real given the abundance of natural resources that exists in the world today. The latter argument typically revolves around the wasting of food, the move away from agriculture or the destruction of the planet.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ King of the Universe. Pope Francis urges us to “embrace the Gospel as the compass of our lives.” Today’s Gospel (Matt 25:31–46) shows us where “true North” lies.