Silence Begets Violence

I think the main reason why the Connecticut school shooting has amassed so much attention is because the killings were mainly done on children, and young children are probably the most protected in our society. Every day we hear of death and murder, and especially mass murder in other countries, that we have become desensitized and are not as affected when we hear about it. However, when we hear about innocent young lives ended, we are more prone to anger because we feel an innate protection and guilt that we couldn't do anything to save them. There are innumerable reasons why the killer did what he did, but I think it comes down to he was emotional unstable, whether it be due to depression, frustration, or a psychological impairment that he has always had. Although that cannot be determined at this point, it still highlights the fact that emotionally unstable people are at a higher risk of violence than others. Therefore, I think that as a society we need to treat mental problems more seriously; many people see them as nonexistent, but depression or other problems are real and can impact the sufferer's and others' lives in real ways. We can only for so long tell our children "Killing is wrong;" after a while, as they grow up other things may happen to them that contradict that statement and lead them to violence. Catholic Social Teaching tells me that we have to treat each person with dignity and respect, and that means helping, not hurting, those with violent tendencies. It is hard to say what we will become as a country from this point; it seems likely that greater gun restriction laws will be initiated, as 52% of Americans say that they oppose gun ownership, and the NRA itself has spoken out against the shootings. Although it will take some time, hopefully our country will be able to recover from this tragedy and implant laws that will prevent it from happening again.

Factory Fire

I believe that as consumers of items created in other countries, it is important to hear these stories so that we understand that our clothes are made sometimes at the cost of others’ lives. However, like the article said, it is sometimes hard to tell which companies have factories that are in unsafe conditions, and which are up to standards. Some companies will monitor and check conditions often, but others will not, and it is impossible to know what companies belong to either category. Additionally, it is hard to find clothes that are not made in foreign countries. I believe that both the government and the corporations are partially responsible, although the corporations more so. The government has a responsibility to first check with large corporations that have workers in other countries, because if workers are mistreated in foreign nations, it could create tensions between America and that country. That being said, corporations are mostly responsible, because they are closer to the workers and can easily send representatives to check their factories, no matter how many factories there are.

Radical Forgiveness

The story of Pope John Paul II forgiving his attempted killer, Mehmet Ali Agca, seems at first very radical, but it actually showcases exactly what God calls us to do. God requires us to love everyone, not just those that are easy to love, and forgiveness is essential to love. Just as Jesus loved and welcomed sinners, and tried to help them towards a holy place, so must we do the same with criminals. The Pope's story is very similar to Immaculee's story, although I would say that Immaculee was even more "radical" than the Pope in forgiving her family's killers. First of all, the Pope was a holy figure head, and very educated in God's plan and hopes for us. Although Immaculee studied the Bible and prayed a lot, she was just a normal person, whereas the Pope was a clergyman. Second, Agca was not actually successful in killing the Pope, so no one actually died. Finally, it was probably harder for Immaculee to forgive the killers, because they killed her family, and we are always more protective about our loved ones than ourselves. Still, both situations show that no matter how hard it is, it is always possible to forgive someone that hurt us or our loved ones.

How's the World? Messy...

When I hear stories of the suffering that happen around the world every day, it makes me sad and very often angry at mankind, although once I think about it more, I know that not all humans are evil: only a very small majority is. Additionally, I am overcome with feelings of insignificance and helplessness, because I know that no matter how hard I or anyone else could try, every instance of injustice can never be solved in our lifetimes. I know that my sympathy does nothing to help people across the globe. I think that as Catholics, one thing we can do to fight injustices is to pray not only for victims, but also pray for the strength to take a stand against it. It is hard to fight such large-scale problems, but it is what we must do, and praying will give us that strength. The articles stresses that we must also keep in mind injustices when we vote or become involved in causes. I believe that we should try to picture ourselves as the victims, and is that way we can see how badly we need to fight for others.

Global Solidarity

We all have a responsibility to protect the weak, vulnerable, and oppressed, although doing so is very often challenging. In a situation like this, where prostitution is clearly an accepted and common practice for women in Mah Gul's area, it is very difficult to solve the central problem. Women may be forced into prostitution because of lack of money, so clearly the most effective way to help them is to set them up in other jobs. We can provide temporary assistance to such women who are victimized, including shelter and therapy, but it is not as helpful as providing them with a lasting way to make money for their family. Helping women involved with prostitution has a smaller response than aiding countries that have suffered from natural disasters for a few reasons. First of all, prostitution is not a one-time problem: it is always happening, and thus is harder to conquer. Second of all, some people may see prostitutes as not deserving of assistance, although sometimes they truly are just as innocent as those who suffer from natural disasters. Catholic Social Teaching, however, teaches us that we have help all those in need, not just who we see as innocent. One of its principal teachings, in fact, tells us that we have to visit those in prison, who clearly are not innocent. Therefore, we must take as much responsibility in helping women like Mah Gul better their lives just as much as any other person living in destitution.

Year of Faith

I think that many of Bishop Ricken's suggestions are actually very feasible, and I would be very willing to try most of them. I believe that most of his ideas should always be done by Catholics, but I understand that some may be unable to attend mass every Sunday, or may not feel that reading the Bible strengthens their relationship with God, ect. Additionally, I think that reading the Catechism and reading the documents of Vatican II, while they may be interesting to see the Church's true position, would not strengthen one's faith as much as his other suggestions. I think that just reading the Catechism does not teach us about our faith as much as prayer or participation in church does. That being said, I would do the other suggestions, especially read the Bible daily, learn about the lives of saints if possible (which I believe should be taught more in schools), participate in mass, and volunteer to help others in need. I already do all of these things, but I could probably work on some more than others. One suggest of Bishop Ricken's that I would not follow is go to Confession, although I do believe that if Catholics think Confessions strengthens their relationship with God, than this year is an ideal time to go to Confession more. Some additional acts that I might try to do for the next year are pray the rosary a few times a week, because I always feel a better bond with God, and to pray more often. Finally, one suggestion I would make to all Catholics is to try to take time off of their daily lives to either go on a retreat, or to do a mission or service trip. These things are so important in reminding us of what is most important in our lives, and the Year of Faith is a perfect time for them.

Circle of Protection

President Obama's video response to the Circle of Protection emphasized his own Christian faith and how it has lead him to be a better husband, father and president. Obama believes that our country should strive to be a place where everyone who helps themselves should be given assistance to live and strive. From healthcare, retirement plans, good jobs and good wages, and finally good education, the President has tried to make this country an easier place to live in. To do all this, Obama has been trying to balance the budget, without hurting the poorest in the country. He also believes that a government cannot fix every problem, and that faith must sometimes compliment actual aid. Finally, Obama believes that "We are all in this together, as one people, one American family," and that everyone is needed to solve the debt issue. This belief mirrors the Church's teaching that each person is called to help his or her's neighbors. Obama's statement is strong in theory, although it could be stronger if he used concrete facts and numbers to support his claims. Governor Romney believes that only when we fix our economy and eradicate our debt will we be able to help the people that live in poverty, which is 1/6 of our country. Romney says that the way to improving our economy is to create more jobs, and he mentions a five part plan that he has that will help attain that goal. However, he does not explain his plan, and that is one weakness of his response. On the other hand, a strength of his response is that he says he will work on budget cuts if he becomes president, while still trying to maintain the "safety net" that our government already has on the poor. Additionally, Romney supports a program that gives more money to those in need and less to those that help themselves. Finally, Romney promises that if he becomes president, he will listen to religious advisors in his decision making.

Project Home

Project H.O.M.E. is more than just a group of volunteers and social justice workers; it is a community of people working towards justice and freedom from need or want. It recognizes that everyone has the right to housing and security, and works towards helping the homeless and jobless secure the materials they need to get jobs or a place to live. They also try to provide basic medical care, because they also believe that everyone has the right to be healthy. Finally, they try to teach and empower their clients so that they may be able to help themselves in the future. What Project H.O.M.E does is different than charity; it is not short-term help, but rather a continuous aid to those who ask for it. Through the various programs offered, someone in the program can be helped as long as he or she may need it. Project H.O.M.E does not just offer someone a room for the night; it helps them find affordable housing for a lifetime. In this way, Project H.O.M.E is different than many homeless shelters, and is a better option for those trying to beat the cycle of poverty that they may find themselves in. One program that I believe is a very important part of Project H.O.M.E is the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs. This program educates both young and old, which is so crucial in escaping continued poverty. Only with education can one get a successful job, and so education is really the first step in Project H.O.M.E. That is why Project H.O.M.E is a more effective and lasting program than the typical charity and relief group.

Forgiveness

Are we supposed to forgive Osama Bin Laden? When reading this question initially, my first response was to think "No, we cannot forgive him." Truthfully, the terror and destruction that Bin Laden's actions caused on the majority of Americans, as well as many other citizens around the world, are just cause for the hatred many people feel towards him. However, I must remind myself that as a Catholic, I cannot feel true hatred towards another human being--another of God's people. We must feel compassion and understanding for everyone in this world. Therefore, we can and must forgive Osama Bin Laden for his acts. If we do not forgive each other for our sins, we will live in a world of hostility and anger towards one another, rather than one of love. Once I remind myself of this, it is much easier for me to forgive Bin Laden and similar people for what they did. Jesus and the God of the New Testament emphasized many different laws, and two of those laws were the laws of forgiveness and love. As Catholics, we always strive to be as close to Jesus as we can, and one important way is through forgiving our fellow human beings. Everyone in this world sins or does something that turns them away from God; even so, we must accept each other, especially because we are sinners ourselves. Jesus himself accepted sinners at his table, to the surprise of his followers. The Bible says, "So watch yourselves! 'If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive' " (Luke 17: 3-4). Clearly, the Bible urges us to forgive all people, just as we ourselves are forgiven by God for our sins. Apart from my religion's emphasis on forgiveness, there is another reason why I believe that we must forgive Bin Laden. We know that who we become is shaped by the environment we grow up in, and that we are not born with hatred. Bin Laden's actions were caused mainly because of his upbringing; if he did not live in such an anti-American environment, he would not have committed such acts of terror. Bin Laden and many other Saudi Arabians were probably raised to hate Americans, and once that hatred is set in a person, it cannot be taken away. This is most likely the case for most acts of destruction by human beings. Therefore, we cannot simply blame one person for what they did, because it is a result of years of antagonism. We must also blame ourselves, for we accept a government that oppresses people like Bin Laden in the Middle East. If we do not allow ourselves to forgive Osama Bin Laden, we must also not forgive ourselves and our society. These are just a few reasons why I believe why we must forgive Osama Bin Laden and similar people.