January 19, 2020 - "Office for Justice, Peace and Human Development-USCCB

I have been reading a series of emails from the Office for Justice, Peace, and Human Development of the United States Conference on Catholic Bishops (USCCB) concerning Poverty Awareness month, which we are currently observing.  I was particularly moved by several of their reflections on several events that will occur this week.  I thought that I would share these reflections with you in this week’s column.
 
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
Today, reflect on the role of our civil leaders and their obligation to implement policies that are just and promote the common good.  The moral criterion that should guide these policies is how well those who are poor and vulnerable are treated.  The Two Feet of Love in Action remind us that we are called to meet immediate needs and also work for fair and just policies that can address poverty and injustice at their roots.  To learn more about the Two Feet of Love in Action please view this link:  www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/two-feet-of-love-in-action.cfm.
 
Challenge:  Learn about the domestic and international policies that affect poverty and the Church’s teaching on poverty and the common good.  Visit the USCCB’s Action Center to join in advocacy to address the causes of poverty.  To visit the USCCB’s Action Center, please view the following link: https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/home. Say a prayer to confront global poverty and reflect on how God is calling you to share his love in your own community.
 
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
Dr. Martin Luther King fought tirelessly to eliminate injustice and segregation from the minds and hearts of the American people.  He understood that eliminating poverty is not a hand-out; it is restoring the respect that all persons deserve.  Read more from Dr. King’s 1967 speech “Where Do We Go From Here?” To read his speech, please view the following link:  https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/where-do-we-go-here-address-delivered-eleventh-annual-sclc-convention.
 
Challenge: Learn about—and join—Catholics in the work to address the sin of racism and end racial injustice in our communities.  Everyone Belongs, a new book from USCCB and Loyola Press tells the story of children who were inspired by their faith to respond to racism in a powerful way.
 
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21
Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton was the first African American to be ordained a priest in the United States.  A former slave who was baptized and raised Catholic, Tolton studied formally in Rome and led development and construction of St. Monica’s Catholic Church as a black “National Parish Church” in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1893.  “Good Father Gus,” as he was called by many, dedicated himself to ministering to his parishioners, many of whom were living in poverty, and empowered them with the Gospel message of peace and justice through adult religious education classes and catechism classes. Fr. Tolton’s simple message of perseverance and faith in a time of adversity and difficulty is an incredible example for us and the lives we are called to live now.

Challenge: Learn more about Fr. Tolton and other inspiring holy men and women who worked courageously to address racism in their communities.  Please visit this link in order to say a prayer to address the sin of racism:  http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/prayer-to-address-the-sin-of-racism.cfm.
 
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
Today is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn.  Please visit this link: https://www.wearesaltandlight.org/success-stories-act#life_justice, to read about the connection between abortion and poverty and how our call to create a culture of life is tied to our call to empower those living in poverty.  We must work together to protect the life and dignity of all persons, at every state, promoting rights for all.
 
Later this week, Catholic leaders from across the country will gather in Washington, DC for the 2020 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering where we will explore how we as a Church are called to witness to unity as we work together to promote a consistent ethic of life.  Please visit this link to learn more:  https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/477914.  There is still time to join us on January 25-28 as we pray, learn, and advocate for life and justice for all.
 
Pray:  You can participate in this day through prayer or through special events offered by your diocese to observe the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.  Please visit this link to find liturgical resources for the Day of Prayer, including intercessions, homily notes, and more: www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/resources/january-22-day-of-prayer-leader-resources.cfm.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John