A Need for Gospel Justice
“I understand Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation as coming from the Bible and coming from the needs of the world today. For the survival of our Globe, that is, the air, water, earth, plants and animals, it is necessary that we turn our attention to these elements of creation. For peace to survive, we simply have to work for Gospel justice - that is, work so that all people on the globe have their share of its food, water and other necessities for living well.”
Questions and Reflections continue…
JPIC is the call of the prophets today for the continuation of life on earth. If we neglect JPIC, then there will be a slow decline in all forms of life and humans will get sicker and weaker and finally fade out of existence.
How do you address these concerns in your ministry?
My ministry of parish work expresses JPIC in action by relating with parishioners and with the environment with care, prayer, reflection and teaching. JPIC is the back drop of what I say and do with the people. Being a sign to the people of something requires a set of values that is clear and has a mission. JPIC states those values and presents a clear mission.
What is the connection today between JPIC and the Passionist charism?
The Passionist charism of preaching the sufferings of Christ has to be broadened to include the sufferings of the earth and its people today. From the viewpoint of history, we did (do) not crucify Jesus of Nazareth. We crucify each other today by injustice, war and destroying the earth. And in so doing, we are crucifying Christ in each other. The Passionist Charism consists in making this clear, in radiant neon lights, that this is what is happening in our society and world today. Jesus insisted that we focus on the NOW. And it is up to us to point out to the people that by working for JPIC NOW, we are lessening the sufferings of Christ, his people and the earth.
What are some of the challenges you face in communicating this message?
The biggest challenge is indifference, both inside myself and in those around me. It is difficult, for example, to convince both myself and others that there is a scarcity of water on the globe when we have hundreds of thousands of cubic miles of water in Lake Michigan. Some say the war in Iraq is necessary. Others say that if the poor would just get their lives together, they would become educated and self-sufficient in the world.
What can we do to overcome our own apathy, our obstacles to action?
To overcome these obstacles and challenges, I look at role models such as Jesus of Nazareth, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, JR., Mother Teresa and remember that doing what one is capable of, is all that is necessary. There is one God who is aware of what is happening. And God will not abandon us. That is the basis of my faith. It is better to be working on the solution rather than being part of the problem.
Is there hope to be found?
Blessings in these efforts are seeing that perseverence works, that others are involved with the same convictions, and that with God’s help all things are possible. My personal goals for the future are to reflect on all of my relationships and do my best to make them right relationships, that is, just in the eyes of the Lord. It is the secret of loving oneself as one’s neighbor. Another goal would be to align my life style with all of creation and nature.
