Catholic Commission for Social JusticeBy Fr Curtis G Poyer, CCSJ/AMMR
During the 1980s, human rights movements emerged in many parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. This was because from the 1950s onwards, several governments in the Americas, with weak or non-existent democracies, using their military, paramilitary, and secret police summarily and arbitrarily rounded up and executed literally thousands of their own citizens–no due process and no recognisable respect for human rights.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
Pope Francis has asked the faithful not to forget the poor and vulnerable during the pandemic. Let’s reflect on this question: “What am I/my parish doing to help the community during this pandemic?”
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
“When Jesus wants to teach us how a Christian should be, he tells us very little, but he shows people by feeding the hungry and welcoming the stranger….The works of mercy are precisely the path of love that Jesus teaches us in continuity with this great love of God” —Pope Francis.
At Pentecost, Archbishop Jason Gordon assured the faithful that “the same wind of God that breathed breath into creation, breathes upon us today and for the missioning of Catholic families as domestic Church.”
In many ways, today’s gospel, Matthew 10:37–42, teaches us what is important as we journey forth on mission—as individuals, families, community, nation, and world.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director CREDI
On Wednesday, April 4, the world marked the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr (MLK). I attended two events organised by Christian Aid in London to mark the occasion – a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey and a symposium: Exploring what justice looks like, held at St Margaret’s Church, next to the Abbey.
I was seated in a pew next to Baroness Doreen Lawrence, OBE, whose 18 year old son, Stephen, was murdered by racists 25 years ago. As I greeted her afterwards, I recalled her many years of tireless struggle for justice. Only two men have been convicted for this crime. Racism in Britain is as rampant as ever – as it is in many parts of our world.
In case you did not have an opportunity to read Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2018 in last week’s CN (page 7), here is a summary. The theme he has chosen is: Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold (Mt 24:12).
Matthew chapter 24 refers to Jesus’ sermon on the End of times. He tells his disciples of the sorrows that will befall individuals/nations and of great tribulation to come. He warns them that many false prophets, who will assume various forms, will arise; “they will deceive many, and with the increase of lawlessness, love in most men will grow cold; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Pope Francis’ message is divided into four sections: False prophets; A cold heart; What are we to do; and The fire of Easter.