Catholic Commission for Social Justice
In preparation for Justice, Peace and Community Week (JPCW) from October 24–31, let us focus on the word “peace”.
I share with you extracts from Pope Francis’ powerful homily at Sarajevo’s Olympic Stadium on June 6, 2015: “In the context of global communications we sense an atmosphere of war. Some wish to incite and foment this atmosphere deliberately, mainly those who want conflict between different cultures and societies, and those who speculate on wars for the purpose of selling arms.
“Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life, and life to grow in faith…I leave you with this question, for each one of you to respond to. In my home, do we yell, or do we speak with love and tenderness? This is a good way to recognise our love…Love is seen and felt in everyday gestures” (Pope Francis).
These profound words uttered by Pope Francis in his homily at the Mass for the conclusion of the recently held 8th World Meeting of Families (WMOF) encapsulate the heart of his message to us and to the world. The night before the Mass, in the midst of the amazing Festival of Families, he reminded us that: “Love is something we learn; love is something we live; love grows as it is ‘forged’ by the concrete situations which each particular family experiences. Love is born and constantly develops amid lights and shadows.”
“The death penalty is contrary to the meaning of humanitas and to divine mercy, which should be the model for men’s justice. It implies cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment…As St Ambrose teaches, God did not want to punish Cain for the murder, as He wants the repentance of the sinner, not his death… Justice will never be reached by killing a human being” (Pope Francis, March 20, 2015).
On Saturday, October 10, the world will observe the 13th World Day Against the Death Penalty. The theme this year is Drug Crimes and is aimed at raising awareness of the need to reduce the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences.
“…you should all agree among yourselves and be sympathetic; love the brothers and sisters, have compassion and be self-effacing. Never pay back one wrong with another, or an angry word with another one; instead, pay back with a blessing. That is what you are called to do, so that you inherit a blessing yourself” (1 Pet 3: 8-9).
The CCSJ invites the faithful to start planning activities to observe Justice, Peace and Community Week (JPCW) which will be observed from October 24–31. The theme, Building Inclusive Communities, is linked to the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si. ‘Integral ecology’ includes building the common good, which is “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more easily and more fully” (Gaudium et Spes, #26).
“…there is no such thing as ‘disharmony’; there is either harmony or we fall into chaos, where there is violence, argument, conflict, fear…” (Pope Francis, Vigil for Peace, September 7, 2013)
On Monday, September 21, the world will observe the International Day of Peace. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has declared this as “a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples”.
The theme this year is Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All which, according to the UN, aims “to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace… governments, civil society, the private sector, faith-based groups and other non-governmental organisations…The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace”.