LIFTed as Children of God - Making Choices That Witness
For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:26-28
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
“The truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32).
I would like to invite everyone to promote a journalism of peace.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Help us to recognize the evil latent in a communication that does not build communion.
Help us to remove the venom from our judgements.
Help us to speak about others as our brothers and sisters.
You are faithful and trustworthy; may our words be seeds of goodness for the world:
where there is shouting, let us practise listening;
where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony;
where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity;
where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity;
where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety;
where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions;
where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust;
where there is hostility, let us bring respect;
where there is falsehood, let us bring truth.
Amen.
“The truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32).
I would like to invite everyone to promote a journalism of peace.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Help us to recognize the evil latent in a communication that does not build communion.
Help us to remove the venom from our judgements.
Help us to speak about others as our brothers and sisters.
You are faithful and trustworthy; may our words be seeds of goodness for the world:
where there is shouting, let us practise listening;
where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony;
where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity;
where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity;
where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety;
where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions;
where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust;
where there is hostility, let us bring respect;
where there is falsehood, let us bring truth.
Amen.
We are all children of God.
Every one of us. No one is better than the other. God does not play favorites. We are one in the eyes of God. Even when we disagree, we have much more in common than we think. It all begins with every human being is a child of God. We are called to see others as God sees them. God’s children. So how do we act as one and respect each other as children of God? Let's look at civil discourse.
Discourse means communication and/or conversation. Civil discourse is being able to have respectful discussions even when you disagree. It can be reasoned and lively discussion, but no shouting, put downs or cutting each other off. Wow! Sounds just like what we see on TV! It’s something we need more of. Civil discourse. Part of civil discourse is learning how to engage in discussion with each other when we have different points of view. You can make your point, even argue your point and still have civil discourse. There are other meanings to the word argument that don’t have to do with fighting verbally. Argument in this sense is not about yelling or being loud. It’s a discussion involving different points of view. It can be a process of reasoning. An argument is also an address or composition intended to convince or persuade. When attorneys go to court, they each present their argument. It’s not just about your opinion, but based on some evidence. They don’t fight, they present their case. Let’s look at a format for creating the non-fighting type of argument so you can have civil discourse. There are 3 parts of Argument, using the acronym (ARE). (This format is from Teaching Tolerance)
We need to learn how to engage with others that hold differing views respectfully. As a society, we have forgotten how to do that. Did you know that people can be in total disagreement and both be right?
Shocking isn’t it. We always think that if I am right and if you disagree, you must be wrong. It depends on your point of view. I + XI = X
Sometimes we look at something and it’s just wrong. Until, you look at it from a different point of view!
X = IX + I
Your perspective can also change the way you look at what most people would consider the middle ground. A few years ago on PBS, there was a program that talked about how people get to extreme positions.
Some people are on the extreme on ONE side of a particular issue, and some others are on the OTHER extreme. Most people are somewhat in the middle. We will use an example that had the advice column crowd debating for about 6 months. We will use the example of how you put the bath tissue on the roll in the bathroom. The discourse was not always civil, and yes, they did debate this back and forth for about 6 months. The people on one extreme need to have the paper roll over the top. The people on the other extreme need to have the paper come out from underneath. These extremes are the type that will change the paper to the “right way” before they use it. A little closer to the middle, they might change the direction after they’ve used it, so it’s “right” for the next person. Most of us are in the middle area. We may prefer one way over the other, but it’s more important that it’s there when we need it! There are also people who are truly in the middle, they see the merits of both positions and really have no preference. What the study found was that people who had a preference for one side, if they only started associating with people on the extreme end of that side, the more they moved towards the extreme position. If we only get our information and discourse with people on “our side” the more extreme we become. We have to be able to understand and respect each other. We are all family, children of God. That make us all brothers and sisters. Part of the challenge in civil discourse is mob mentality. It’s unfortunately as old as time. We hear it every year on Palm Sunday and Good Friday – “crucify him” This is the cry of the crowd when Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate. “Crucify him.”
It’s very sad that in the 2,000 years since then, we have yet to evolve from this mob mentality. We see it where lots of people gather: at protests, conventions, rallies, sporting events, etc. People get carried away when they are surrounded by people cheering for their cause. It can start out like a pep rally and end just like the crowd yelling “crucify him”. You should stand up for your beliefs and injustice, but don’t be swept away by it. Coming together in solidarity is a good thing. We are called to solidarity. When it turns to a mob and control is lost, that’s not how we should act as followers of Christ. Just like everything else in life – moderation is key. One other perspective that we especially need to consider is:
Are you an American that is Catholic, or a Catholic that is American? Let’s think about that for a minute. Most of us have probably never thought about that question. Being Catholic vs. being American. What is your first reaction? Catholic or American? Have you ever considered that there could be a difference? After today, how will you see yourself; as an American that is Catholic, or a Catholic that is American? One other thing that we need to clarify today – the Church and politics. The Church teaching is consistent. If you don’t understand or disagree with a Church teaching, at least try to understand why we take that position. If you understand why:
There tends to be a misunderstanding of the Church and politics. The Church is a non-profit can’t endorse any candidates. We can however, and should, speak out on policy. Church teaching is neither liberal nor conservative; neither democratic nor republican. It is simply the teaching of the Catholic Church. There is NO candidate that would be endorsed by the Church. Each one may check some of the “catholic teaching’ boxes, but no one checks all of them. When the church speaks out, it’s on policy, or an issue. The Church has a duty to speak out for injustice. The Commandments are an ancient part of our faith tradition. They were given to Moses by God according to the Old Testament. They are 3,000 years of faith tradition. The Commandment we are focusing on today is bearing false witness. We bear false witness by lying. We bear false witness when we gossip or spread rumors. We also bear false witness when we remain silent.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Eighth Commandment has over 20 sections. These deal with false witness, perjury, respect for reputation, rash judgement, detraction, calumny, flattery, adulation, boasting, bragging, the media and social communication. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is very thorough and accessible online. One sentence stands out: Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect.
It all comes down to dignity, witness, honor and respect.
Part of bearing false witness is lying. Lying we know is wrong. When we don’t tell the truth, we lie. When we leave out pertinent information, isn’t that also a form of lying? When we selectively leave out information – not telling the whole truth, that also bears false witness. Rash judgement and detraction don’t honor human dignity. Gossip and rumors also bear false witness. Are we spreading stories that are we don’t know are true? Are these stories meant to hurt? Once those stories are out, many people don’t remember the truth. There was once a woman who went to her priest for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. She told her parish priest that she had gossiped about her neighbor at work and school. Father gave her absolution and for the first part of her penance, she was to go to the tallest building in town with a feather pillow. She was instructed to rip open the pillow and let the feathers scatter in the wind and then come back and see him for the second part of her penance. After she had sent the feathers from the pillow scattering in the wind, she returned to the church. She told Father that she had done as he asked. He then gave her the second part of her penance. He told her that she would have to go around town and pick up all the feathers that had been released from the pillow. She protested, saying “Father, there is no way that I can pick up all the feathers. Some have blown miles away and some are stuck on rooftops or in gutters.” Father told her that the feathers were like the rumors and gossip she had spread. You can never take it all back.
If you’re thinking about sharing information or a story, try to decide if it’s gossip or rumor. Are you sharing for the greater good? Or are you sharing so you look better or to hurt someone else? What is your motivation?
Silence is the next way we can bear false witness. When we see someone being hurt, ridiculed, ignored, beaten or belittled and we don’t speak up, that’s bearing false witness. Silence is assumed consent. A lot of times silence is motivated by fear. With God at our side we should feel no fear.
We are called to speak out against injustice. To be a voice for the voiceless. To tell the truth. This video is on the danger of silence: One way to strengthen our resolve is through prayer. Some time spent in prayer will give us the strength to stand up, tell the truth and refuse to be silent.
Bullying is a hot topic today. We are very concerned about the bullying that takes place in school and online with our children. However, if we expect children and teens to stop bullying each other, then we as adults need to set a better example. Adults also need to stop bullying. Bullying comes in many forms.
When it comes to bullying there are 4 people involved
We’ve all been bystanders. We have witnessed some form of injustice and said nothing or walked away. Bystanders stand by. They don’t say anything. Our call as Catholic Christians is to be an upstander. To stand up for injustice. To speak up for those being hurt. Sometimes it's simple, but it’s not easy. This next video is from a TED talk. The speaker was born and raised in India and the beginning of her talk was on how women are treated in Indian society. The end of this video has a good lesson for us all. (watch from 14:14 until the end) So speak up. Become an upstander. Be a witness for injustice. We are called to speak for the oppressed.
Proverbs 31:8-9 -Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Isaiah 1:17 –Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. We can do this. We need to do this. When we are an upstander, we are acting like Christ in the world. We are being a Catholic Christian witness. We are Jesus’ hands, feet and voice today. The more we speak up for those who are bullied and oppressed, the easier it will be. Pray for the strength to be an upstander and not a bystander. One of the main challenges for all of us as Americans still today is racism. Racism is a form of bullying. It is discrimination and power over people just because of the color of their skin. Let’s watch Bishop Robert Barron’s video in response to Charlottesville and the sin of racism. |
For discussion: Have each group read one of the following articles and answer the following questions:
Two St. Louis parishes unite in anti-racism efforts St. Francis Xavier and St. Alphonsus came together to produce a play highlighting the differences between the black and white Catholic experience. By Jeannine M. Pitas What does it mean to be a black Catholic in 2017? Anthony Carter. November 15, 2017 Speakers prompt young adults to help heal injustices and sin of racism. Nov 10, 2017 by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service. African American Catholics and the quest for racial justice. by Father Bryan Massingale. U.S. Catholic. The Church's Appalling Silence On Racism: pastors need to decry racism as a sin from the pulpit. By Father Bryan Massingale. U.S. Catholic. From a white person to white people: We're complicit. We need to talk about something uncomfortable that our brothers and sisters of color have been shouldering for far too long. By Sarah Margaret Babbs. U.S. Catholic. It is important that we have these conversations. We need to bear witness for our brothers and sisters. LEARN IT, LIVE IT
PRAYER TIP:
Pray each time you look in a mirror or see your reflection: Lord, help me to see others the way that you see them. OR Lord, help me to see myself the way you see me. Think about how many mirrors, windows, etc. you pass in a day. This can help us see ourselves and other the way the God sees us - as precious children. The Commandments are about 3,000 years old, but still relevant today. Bearing false witness is one commandment that we can encounter almost every day. How will you bear witness?
Our Road to Emmaus is full of many choices.
This pledge is adapted from the Schenectady Clergy Against Hate. Will you take the pledge and be a witness?
I will witness by: · speaking out against someone who mocks, seeks to intimidate or actually hurt someone of a different race, religion, ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation. · reaching out to support those who are targets of harassment. · doing my best to interrupt prejudice and to stop those who because of hate, would hurt, harass or violate the civil rights of anyone. · trying at all times to be aware of my own biases against people who are different from myself. · seeking to deepen my understanding of other cultures, religions, sexual identities and races that I don’t understand. · engaging in civil discourse and walking away from incivility. · believing that one person can make a difference and that no person can be an innocent bystander when it comes to opposing hate. In you, I see a reflection of JesusMay the road ahead be straight and clear.
May the presence of God be always near. May the sun shine warm to light the way On our Road to Emmaus every day. May the faith that guides us shine so bright, On our journey as we follow the light. Amen We offer the following for further enrichment:Racism is our most central justice challenge. Every social justice issue is entangled with or exacerbated by racism. -Fr. Bryan Massingale.
How to own up to white privilege: White Christians must wrestle with how they benefit from racial injustice, even if they did not create the structures that support it. By Kevin P. Considine Racial mercy is the willingness to enter into the chaos that people of color experience - Jim Keenan, SJ A fireproof faith From the archives: What Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can teach us about racial justice. By Patrick T. Reardon While getting sick was not our fault, getting well and healing together is our responsibility. - Sr. Patty Chappell Racial justice activists want Catholic leaders to act Church is behind when it comes to addressing racism, and words are not enough Aug 29, 2017 by Heidi Schlumpf When we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is us. - Lewis Smedes Catholic Church sometimes has been part of racism problem, says bishop by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service Nov 14, 2017 Georgetown panel talks racism, religion: US Rep. John Lewis talks love, the spark of the divine in us all Nov 16, 2017 by Julie Bourbon Watch “UNDERSTANDING RACISM: Reverse Poem” on Vimeo from Saint Mary's Press Racism is a sickness of the soul. Can Jesuit spirituality help us heal. Bryan N. Massingale November 20, 2017 Prayer-Study-Action: Economic Justice through an Antiracist Lens , Pax Christi USA The Talk, Notre Dame Magazine,Winter 2016-17 Arienne Thompson Plourde '04 and Amelia Thompson '08 Improved urban schools will create diversity By Kristine Welliver, Commentary Published 5:25 pm, Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Be an Upstander - Prevent Bullying (from The NED Show) (cartoon for children)(4:00) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations. Catholic Social Teaching and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights by: Ted Keating, SM, Director for Justice and Peace, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes THE CHURCH AND HUMAN RIGHTS. PONTIFICAL COMMISSION «IUSTITIA ET PAX» The Upstander NSW Department of Education Published on Jul 20, 2017 (1:00) What is an Upstander? THIRTEENPublished on Oct 19, 2016 (1:22) Dana Hou: The Cost of Silence (10:43) Stanford Graduate School of Business Published on Jun 1, 2017 (contains reference to suicide) Have you ever not spoken up, even if doing so could have helped someone important to you—your partner, parent, friend or coworker? Why did you remain silent? Dana Hou, a Stanford MBA student, shares two personal stories, one in which she didn’t speak up and the other in which she did. Your silence will cost you your soul (2:58) David Andrade Published on Dec 15, 2016 CLERGY AGAINST HATE Schenectady-area clergy promote common ground, 3/23/2017 9:00:00 AM BY KATHLEEN LAMANNA STAFF WRITER The United Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) webpage on racism; includes video from Bishop Murry, chair of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, and many resources. The USCCB – Civil Dialogue, bulletin insert on civil dialogue On the Power of Subversive Thinking: Bryan Massingale talks with TJP Published Nov 14, 2017 in Faith & Politics Racism as Soul Sickness: Interview with Bryan Massingale Published Nov 20, 2017 in Faith & Politics How Martin Luther King Jr.'s Prayer Life Moved Him to Act for Justice. By Fr. Bryan Massingale, U.S. Catholic Ignatian Solidarity Network. 2017 Ingatian Family Teach-In for Justice Video Archives. Rowing Into the Deep – Magis Meet Justice. The beautiful legacy of black Catholicism in the United States (along with podcast)The Editors November 30, 2017 Racism is a sickness of the soul. Can Jesuit spirituality help us heal? Bryan N. Massingale November 20, 2017 Sister Antona Ebo’s lifelong struggle against white supremacy, inside and outside the Catholic Church Shannen Dee Williams, November 22, 2017 How to start a movement | Derek Sivers (5:41) A 5-Second Experiment That Tells You How Powerful You Feel | Daniel Pink (3:17)How to keep seeing from someone else’s perspective. The Power of Words. – GoalCast (4:47) Words do matter. Father James Martin and Ross Douthat discuss civility in public & church discourse Angelo Jesus Canta. December 14, 2017 When children fear for their lives, change is needed. Let’s become a faith community where black fears matter. By Father Bryan Massingale. Is Rudeness Contagious? By Shaunacy Ferro. Mental Floss. The Future of Truth. WMHT in partnership with NYS Writer’s Institute. Thirty great journalists, editors, nonfiction writers, First Amendment scholars, and Pulitzer Prize-winning historians join the NYS Writers Institute to hold a conversation and build a bridge for the public to discuss the important issues of the past, present, and future of the press. Pope Francis: The media must be factual and free from manipulation Carol Glatz - Catholic News Service. December 18, 2017 How can the Catholic Church advance healing in the #MeToo movement? Carol Zimmermann - Catholic News Service. December 18, 2017 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor – A Reflection on the 8th Commandment Msgr. Charles Pope • May 29, 2012 The Eighth Commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor Doug Culp. November, 2014 Sins of the tongue Well-intentioned or not, lies, flattery and stretching the truth have consequences on our souls and can disconnect us from reality. Mark Shea, OSV Newsweekly 1/11/2012. @JustinBaldoni is calling on men to become better allies to women by ending a culture rooted in toxic masculinity. From twitter. 12/20/17 Avoid becoming Christians of “the right or the left” urges Pope Francis during Pentecost Homily Gerard O’Connell. June 04, 2017 News cycle survival tips from an NPR reporter. Ashley McKinless. June 09, 2017 (includes podcast) Best Advent Ever: A Hopeless Mess. Dynamic Catholic. 12.24.17. See someone the way that God sees them, even in the middle of their mess. A 10-Point Catholic Social Media Compact. Matt Malone, S.J. December 15, 2017 United Airlines Isn’t the Problem—It’s Good People Doing Nothing By Ryan Holiday • 04/11/17 9:35am A Portrait of Black Catholicism: Celebrating 40 years of the Black Catholic Theological Symposium C. Vanessa White January 09, 2018 |