World's Next Genocide

After learning about the Rwandan genocide, it is scary to think that something like this could happen again. With my understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, the international community is called to respond and end the violence. Their job is not to support a side, but to treat everyone with the same human rights. I believe that Catholic Social Teaching calls us to be aware of this situation and to act quickly. We cannot take this situation lightly and although it is a difficult situation, our country needs to act in order to stop the violence in Syria. It is sad to think that we still cannot accomplish peace in our world. Countries need to realize that war and killing will not make anything better, only worse. With Catholic Social Teaching, it is our job to reach out to those in need and find peace between peoples.

Silence Begets Violence?

When I watched on TV the news about the shooting in Newton, Connecticut, I could not believe it. It was truly the most devastating and tragic story that I had heard. Children who had the rest of their lives ahead of them died for nothing. Adults died trying to stop the shooter. I think that this act demanded a call to action because so many people are tired of violence and want to stop it. In addition, many parents felt empathy toward the victim’s parents. As a society, we should remember what happened and never forget. It is our duty as a nation to stop the terrible effects that violence can do to our country. In addition, it is our duty to give reverence to the people who died and the adults who tried to stop the attack. Catholic Social Teaching compels us to treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are called to show compassion and love towards one another. If we do not, our nation will be torn apart. From here, it is our job to stand with courage and fight against prejudice and hatred in our country. We must come together and persist in the greater-good.

Bangladesh Factory Fire

After I read this article, I could not believe that workers were treated with such brutality. It is so sad to think that 112 people from Bangladesh had to die because they were forced to work and were not allowed to leave. It is hard to imagine that Americans are oblivious to the treatments of these workers. I believe that we do have the responsibility to know where our products are made. More importantly, we should become involved in improving the situation. It is unfair that people from other countries are suffering while Americans take their clothes and things for granted. I believe that the government and corporations are responsible and need to offer better, more securing safe places for employees to work. They have the capability to help those who are treated wrongly. In addition, all workers deserve to be paid well. One of the Seven Catholic Social Teachings says that every worker deserves to have the same rights. More importantly, I believe that it is important that corporations do inspections on the factories to make sure that they are well conditioned.

Radical Forgiveness

As I read this article about Radical Forgiveness, I respected the Pope for forgiving his would be assassin. If someone had hurt my family in any way, I do not know if I would have the strength to forgive. It is hard to imagine that he had the strength and courage to do that. However, Pope John Paul taught us through a huge impact that we are called to be good Catholics. Our mission is to try to move on pass the violence and hatred and forgive those who need our prayers. Immaculee’s story is similar to Pope John Paul’s because she had the power to forgive the people who killed her family. She did not have hatred nor hold a grudge toward the Hutus, but felt pity and asked God to pray for them and help them realize that what they were doing was wrong. In both scenarios, people were astounded that they had the courage to forgive after the awful crimes that these people had committed. God teaches us that in order to be good and faithful Catholics, we need to love and forgive. Although it may be very difficult, we need to understand that without it, there will never be justifiable peace.

Messy?

It is sad to think that there is so much violence in the word and it might seem like there is not a lot that we can do. When I hear a news story on TV or read an article in the paper, I am sympathetic toward the people who have been treated unfairly. However, although I am bothered and annoyed by the situation, it is hard to relate. However, when my friend tells me a personal story of hers, I feel as though I can relate to it. I think that the Gospel messages call us to respond by doing anything we can to help. I believe that it is our mission to reach out and protest against the injustices in the world. Although it can be hard, we can respond by just saying a prayers and holding special intentions in our heart. According to the article, we need to try to sensitize to the seriousness of the situations by praying. The author says that praying will not only acknowledge current-day suffering, but also makes it more personal. I think that if we have an active participation in knowing what goes on outside our reality, people can help us understand the seriousness of the injustices and try to participate in their community. It is our job to help people understand that although these problems might not impact our life, it is our job as Catholics to reach out and do everything we can to solve these horrendous situations

Global Resolution

            I think that messages through different types of media should be used to explain the abuse girls go through in different countries. Most people do not hear about these situations because they are secretly done in different places. It is so sad to realize that women are treated so disrespectivably and are forced into specific work such as prostitution. In Catholic Social Teaching, we are told that everyone has equal rights and it is our job to take care of the mistreated and the lowly. It compares to the world’s response with natural disasters because it our responsibility as a community to protect nature and others with respect. Everyone and everything is precious to us. However, these traditions might not seem wrong to others. Some cultures have their own traditions and even if they are wrong, others might think that we have no right to change them. 

Resolution

    I think that it is important for Christians to grow in a “Year of Faith.” It will strengthen Catholics religion and help them reflex on how to be called to serve and reach out to lend a helping hand to others. My first resolution is to give a charitable donation to those in need whenever I go to church. My second resolution is to pray for someone everyday. My third resolution is to participate more in church liturgies at my school. My fourth resolution is to participate in more Community Service Activities that I have not done in the past. Lastly, my fifth resolution is to not judge others and give my best impression to people that I meet.