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.

Circle of Protection

            Obama met with the Circle of Protection last year, and he believes that everyone should be helped, especially those who are less vulnerable. He says that everyone should feel a sense of dignity if they are working hard whether that means having a job, having a health care program or schooling for children. However, he believes that we should all do our part for those who do not have the necessities to live. He has confirmed that neighborhood partnerships have expanded to help those in need. However, some of the weaknesses are that as a nation, we would have to pay down our dept. It is difficult because we cannot balance the budget on those who have nothing to offer, and raise the taxes on the middle class. It is wrong. Obama says that it is our job to stand as a nation. If we do, we will make a stronger economic system.
         In the beginning, Romney says that providing hope to those less fortunate shows the good-hearts of people. He wants to support their work. In order to do that, he believes that the first step is to restore the economy. He wants to provide people with more jobs, and help the economy get back on track. Romney believes that if the nation can do that, the nation will have the resources to help those in need and fewer people will be on welfare roles. Romney says that he has come up with a five-step process to help get 12 million new jobs during his term in office. However, I believe that it is easier said than done.  He also approves of means testing, which is giving more money to those in need, and less to those who can take care of themselves. I feel that not a lot of people will approve of means testing because some might think it is unfair.
         Both Romney and Obama’s speeches compare with Jesus’ message because Jesus felt that it was our duty to help those in need. He wanted us to take care of the lowest of the low, and that is what Obama and Romney are calling us to do. We have a mission as Christians to serve the dear neighbor and look out for one another as Jesus would for us.

Project H.O.M.E.

Project H.O.M.E. is a charitable organization founded to provide hope to those in need and gives homeless people shelters to stay in order to start a living. It is their mission to help people out of their homelessness state and to make their lives better and become confident in themselves. Project H.O.M.E.’S dream is also to make the society a more and unified community. The many services at PROJECT H.O.M.E. are used to help the less fortunate find jobs in order to stabilize lives. The services are also used to help strengthen and develop communities. It assists people in finding homes and teaches them to become economically stable while providing health care to them.

As compared to other charities, Project H.O.M.E. is an organization used to help people with all aspects of having a good life such as health, food, home, and other necessities for daily life. In addition, Project H.O.M.E. has developed a system for helping homeless people who have mental and physical illnesses. Some programs are smaller and mainly focus on giving food and rooms to stay in for a short period of time.

Project H.O.M.E. is particularly effective because it helps with all aspects of daily life. It focuses and dedicates time on helping others, and that is what matters. The most important program I think is the sheltering program because people through this profitable organization go out of their war to make sure that the people have a place to stay and are taken care of.

Should We Forgive?

          Although forgiveness might seem unachievable, it is necessary in order to move on. Osama Bin Laden planned the attack on September 11 to bomb the World Trade Center. It was a tragic event that struck the world in a heartfelt manner when three thousand people died. It has been eleven years since the tragic day in history, although the memory is still branded in our minds. However, I agree with the author of this post and believe we should forgive Osama Bin Laden. Although many of us still have hatred built inside toward him, I feel that it is time to offer forgiveness and move on. Undoubtedly, Osama Bin Laden did not feel guilty for what he did. However, it is important for us as a united nation not to let the memory of that horrific day keep us from doing good for others and also seeing the good in others.

I think that it will take many years before we will show reconciliation and absolve Osama Bin Laden from his sins because he showed no mercy toward the people he brutally destroyed. I still ask myself to this day, “Why?” “Why do terrorists hate us?” and “What have we done to deserve this punishment?” Right now, I do not think that this act was justified and it will be a very long time until we can show the slightest act of absolution.

               Jesus truly believed in forgiveness and wanted us to show compassion toward one another. In Luke 6:29, Jesus says, “If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn to him the other.” In addition, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father forgives his son and openly welcomes him back into his home. Jesus did not believe in hatred toward one another and He compels us to follow his beliefs. Jesus, no matter what, will always forgives our sins either big or small and it is our job to be like Him and be called to act as good Christians.