Peace and Justice Reflection

Reflection from the Day after Pentecost

Brother Steve Herro, O. Praem.

In the last week, I read a couple of columns, "Resurrection Politics in the Easter Season," by Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, and "News Got You Low?  Try  Prayer," by Dcn. Tim Reilly.  Dr. Love's reflection appeared on the Webpage for the Franciscan Action Network and Dcn. Reilly's column appeared in the Green Bay Press Gazette.

These are particularly challenging times for social action ministry in the Church.  Environmental disasters, such earth quakes in Haiti and an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, are not only causing great suffering in 2011,  but also demonstrate the need for the WORLD to examine our economic development and energy policies.  Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, despite timelines for our disengagement, continue to have a stranglehold on our families and national psyche.  Federal legislation in which the Church is heavily invested, such as immigration reform and clean energy, appear stalled as one branch of government appears to be waiting for the other to make the first move or legislators appear locked in partisan gridlock.  Finally, the Church's own ability to lead appears to be limited by an apparent disconnect between our leadership and congregants or the decreasing  participation of the American society in congregational life; religious leaders can author policy papers on social issues until the cows come home, but if the public is not reading or hearing them, their attempts are less impactful.  And on top of these measures is the reality that uncivil discourse over social issues, whether inside or outside of our congregations, is making any kind of resolution difficult.

Dcn. Reilly writes, "...Rather than encountering the news and being weighted down by the events of the world or avoiding the news altogether to escape into blissful ignorance, we can, instead, prayerfully read and listen to the news and then authentically respond by living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit given abundantly to us."  The aha moment that I had this Easter season, when feeling particularly beaten down by the challenges listed above and the Church's own sex and power abuse scandal, was the reflection on our baptismal promises to reject Satan, believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Do we frame social challenges within the reality of our giftedness as sons and daughters of Christ and beneficiaries of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?  Are we likely to dig deep in prayer, as Dcn. Reilly suggests, when feeling over weighted by the challenges of today?

Dr. Love is even more direct.  "...Do we really believe in the resurrection....Do we believe new life is possible in the seemingly dead, broken, and hopeless corners of our world, and that each of us can participate in bringing life and hope to what seem 'dead on arrival' causes?  Do we believe the Spirit will come upon us, and nothing is impossible with God?"  In our information age, the faith community is ably equipped to disseminate our priorities on a score of social issues; we have social networks, media outlets, and an education system that can help us reach millions of people. 

Dcn. Reilly's and Dr. Love's comments provide a boost to all of us.  As we reflect the day after Pentecost, 2010, we are challenged to be resurrection people and utilize God's gift of the presence of the Spirit in our lives.  The challenge is great, but our tools are greater!

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