Resurrection, Not Resuscitation

Following is an extract from a reflection on last Sunday's readings by Stephen Bevans, SVD and
Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD of the Catholic Theological Union. The Gospel was Matthew 14:13-21, the feeding of the multitude.

It is the generous extravagance and abundance of “the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” that we need to keep in mind in this trying, difficult, almost unbearable time in our lives. We are in that “deserted place” and it is “already late.” If you are like me, it’s not just the COVID-19 pandemic that is terrifying — and that is terrifying enough. It is the racism and hatred that has revealed itself, the shocking individualism that is prolonging the agony of these months, the painful call (for some of us — liberating for others!) to revise our history and our heroes, the dangerous disregard for science and real wisdom that is harming an entire generation. It is the disregard for human lives, especially Black lives today, that is making us pant with thirst. It is a refusal to see the harm we are causing to our planet, and to future generations of plants and animals and human children, that is making us faint with hunger. We desperately need the love of God in Jesus to feed us with hope, with compassion, with patience, with perseverance.

A Canadian View: Black Lives Do Matter - by Jim Paddon

Bishop Mark Seitz and the Roman Catholic Clergy kneeling during a Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Reproduced unchanged from "A Canadian View: Black Lives Do Matter" first published in "famvin".

Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and is past president of the Ontario Regional Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. He is currently chair of the National Social Justice Committee of the Society in Canada.

Over 400 years ago Africans were captured and removed from their native lands, homes and families to be taken to the New World and reduced to objects that would assist their owners to have a profitable business and comfortable life for their families. This subjugation of another race which was founded on the principles of someone being inferior and subhuman simply because of their skin colour is one that continues to plague North America. The institution of slavery is one that attempted to rob those affected of their basic human dignity. As has been proven many times by courageous acts of defiance, no one can take away the God given gift of human dignity.

Hidden gems in "The Rule and Statutes"

The poor are our masters

1.1 Fundamental Principles

I think that one of the most spiritually under-rated of the books that belong to our Vincentian organisation is the one called, "THE RULE AND STATUTES of the SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL CANADA".

The Holy Spirit and three enemies of self-giving

This post draws on two articles reporting on the Pentecost Sunday homily of Pope Francis, one from the Jesuit publication,  America Magazine, and the other from Vatican News.

The Spirit, the living memory of the church

In his Pentecost Sunday homily, Pope Francis told Christians worldwide, “The Spirit, the living memory of the church, reminds us that we are born from a gift and that we grow by giving, not by holding on, but by giving of ourselves.”

Laudato Si' - just some kind of 'green' encyclical about climate change?

Pope Francis has called for special events this week to mark and draw attention to the 5th anniversary of his encyclical, Laudato Si'.

Laudato Si’ Day 7 - #52 One Single Human Family

This is the last in this series of meditations on the Pope's encyclical, Laudato Si', Chapter 1, Section V - Global Inequality.
What does the Pope mean by “structural perversion” and “differentiated responsibilities”?

52. The foreign debt of poor countries has become a way of controlling them, yet this is not the case where ecological debt is concerned. In different ways, developing countries, where the most important reserves of the biosphere are found, continue to fuel the development of richer countries at the cost of their own present and future.

Laudato Si’ Day 6 - #51 The Ethics of International Relations

What does the Pope mean by “ecological debt”?

51. Inequity affects not only individuals but entire countries; it compels us to consider an ethics of international relations. A true “ecological debt” exists, particularly between the global north and south, connected to commercial imbalances with effects on the environment, and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time.

Laudato Si’ Day 5 - #50 Population Growth vs. Unbridled Consumerism

What does the Pope mean by “the present model of distribution”?

50. Instead of resolving the problems of the poor and thinking of how the world can be different, some can only propose a reduction in the birth rate.

Laudato Si’ Day 4 - #49 The “Excluded”

Who is the Pope talking about when he references “the excluded”? Who are the “excluded” in your community”

49. It needs to be said that, generally speaking, there is little in the way of clear awareness of problems which especially affect the excluded. Yet they are the majority of the planet’s population, billions of people.

Laudato Si’ Day 3 - #48 Inseparable and interactive coexistence

Having meditated on the two prayers which the Pope has proposed, we now contemplate paragraphs #48 through #52 from “Laudato Si’”. We follow the same steps each day from now on:

1. Read what the Pope wrote a first time.
2. Read it again, finding and reflecting on a word, phrase or sentence that stands out for you.
3. While reading a third time, prayerfully and with a listening heart, tell the Lord in your own words how you feel about what you have just read, and why. Does anything need to change for you, personally?
4. Quieten your mind and allow time for silence and the Holy Spirit.
5. Finally, pray “A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation”.

Laudato Si’ Day 2 - #246 A Christian Prayer

Today we continue Laudato Si’ #246
Firstly, simply read what the pope wrote. Then read it again, finding and reflecting on a word, phrase or sentence that stands out the most to you. With a third reading, prayerfully and with a listening heart, tell the Lord how you feel about what you read and why: Frustration? Encouragement? Helplessness? Resolve? Whatever. Allow time for silence and simply being present to God’s Presence. Conclude by praying the prayer again, simply and quietly. 
The refrain, “Praise be to you!” echoes the hymn of St. Francis, “Laudato Si’”.

A Christian prayer in union with creation

Father, we praise you with all your creatures.

Laudato Si’ Day 1 - #246 A prayer for our earth

Firstly, simply read what the pope wrote. Then read it again, finding and reflecting on a word, phrase or sentence that stands out the most to you. With a third reading, prayerfully and with a listening heart, tell the Lord how you feel about what you read and why: Frustration? Encouragement? Helplessness? Resolve? Whatever. Allow time for silence and simply being present to God’s Presence. Conclude by praying the prayer again, simply and quietly.
Don’t focus only on the prayer itself. Consider also what the Pope is saying in the introduction to the prayer.

#246. At the conclusion of this lengthy reflection which has been both joyful and troubling, I propose that we offer two prayers. The first we can share with all who believe in a God who is the all-powerful Creator, while in the other we Christians ask for inspiration to take up the commitment to creation set before us by the Gospel of Jesus.

Laudato Si’. Introductory Hors D'oeuvres

Picture credit: iustitiaetpax.va

Five years ago, on 25 May 2015, Pope Francis promulgated his famous encyclical letter, Laudato Si' - On Care for Our Common Home. Papal encyclicals are always named from the opening words in Latin, but this one is in Italian - from the opening words of the famous Canticle of the Sun and Moon by St. Francis of Assisi: "Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, especially Brother Sun, Who is the day through whom You give us light." Indeed, the encyclical devotes an entire section to this great saint of the poor who had such love both for the poor and for the goodness and beauty of the natural world around him.
(You can download the encyclical in PDF format here.)

Feast of St. Joseph the Worker: the Pope's Homily

St. Joseph the Worker

ROME - With a statue of St. Joseph, mallet in hand, placed near the altar, Pope Francis dedicated his morning Mass May 1 to workers, especially those paid unjustly or virtually enslaved.

At the start of the Mass, while remembering all victims of Coronavirus, Francis prayed for all workers, and for the world of work as a whole. The Pontiff expressed his hope that there one day could exist a world where no one is without work, and from that work, is shown dignity and given a just wage.

Safe, Secure and Affordable Housing - April

Following are some extracts and highlights from CHANGING TIMES - April 2020, Safe, Secure and Affordable Housing Is a Human Right, an article by Jim Paddon, Chair of the National Social Justice Committee of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul published in the April, 2020 Social Justice newsletter of the SSVP National Council of Canada.



In a previous article, I mentioned the Working Group to End Homelessness (WGEH), which currently consists of 31 United Nations Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs) who have come together to form the WGEH. The mission of the WGEH is “to influence the UN political proceedings to heighten Member States’ and Civil Society’s concern for and the action against the social injustice of homelessness.” There are several Catholic agencies who are members of the WGEH, including several who are Vincentian family members and, of course, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul…

The WGEH has developed a description for homelessness, which reads as follows: “Homelessness is a condition where a person or household lacks habitable space, which may compromise their ability to enjoy social relations, and includes people living on the streets, in other open spaces or in buildings not intended for human habitation, people living in temporary accommodation or shelters for the homeless, and, in accordance with national legislation, may include, among others, people living in severely inadequate accommodation without security of tenure and access to basic services.” …

In Easter message, Pope Francis proposes universal basic income

The following is reprinted from  the Jesuit review, "America", under the title: In Easter message, Pope Francis proposes universal basic income by Kevin Clarke. (Italics and emphases have been added by me.)

Image credit: www.americamagazine.org

In a remarkable Easter Sunday letter to members of social movements around the world, Pope Francis, noting that the widespread suffering caused by the global coronavirus pandemic does not fall evenly, suggested that the crisis warranted the establishment of a universal basic income. He described it also as an opportunity for affluent societies to “downshift” and re-evaluate patterns of consumption and exploitation.

“This may be the time to consider a universal basic wage which would acknowledge and dignify the noble, essential tasks you carry out,” Pope Francis wrote. “It would ensure and concretely achieve the ideal, at once so human and so Christian, of no worker without rights.” (In the original text, the pope used an expression, “el salario universal,” that is typically used in Spanish to refer to the universal basic income.)

MESSAGE CONCERNING THE PANDEMIC - By Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie OMI

MESSAGE CONCERNING THE PANDEMIC

- By Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie OMI

  National Spiritual Advisor

Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie OMI

Along with all the directives and information that have already been sent out by our Vincentian leadership, and on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Oscar Romero, I would like to add a brief reflection on this present Corona virus Covid-19 crisis.

Apparently, the word “crisis” in Chinese has two possible meanings – “escape” or “opportunity,” and it is up to us to determine which of these two meanings will characterize our response. I know it is the latter, which invites us to explore how best to realize that option.

The spiritual writer Jean-Pierre de Caussade, author of Abandonment to Divine Providence, advises living in the present moment, accepting obstacles with love and humility, and encountering God in our day-to-day activities. He also asserts everything which happens is in some sense God’s will, perhaps best expressed by the certitude that God can and does turn everything to the good for those who love God. 

Safe, Secure And Affordable Housing Is A Human Right

Following is reproduced from the Social Justice Committee Newsletter of the SSVP National Council of Canada.
It is written by Jim Paddon, Chair of the National Social Justice Committee.

As we continue to discuss the national campaign theme of safe, secure and affordable housing being a human right, I’d like to focus on the topic of systemic change as it relates to the campaign theme. The systemic change concept is based on the understanding that there is a relationship among many factors which all contribute to a result.

Regarding poverty, we must take a holistic approach and consider all the relative factors that lead to an individual experiencing poverty. If we only address one or two of these factors, the result will likely be that the person continues living in poverty with little or no hope of escaping his or her situation. Our charitable works can address immediate needs such as short-term supply of food but fails to offer any sustainable assistance.

To read more, click on this link:
https://www.ssvp.ca/newsletters/social-justice/changing-times-march-2020

Project Lifesaver - offered by York Regional Police

Photo credit: www.yrp.ca

What is Project Lifesaver?

The York Regional Police Project Lifesaver program combines radio technology with a co-ordinated police response to locate wandering and disoriented loved ones due to Alzheimer's, autism or other conditions or disorders.

How does Project Lifesaver work?

Project Lifesaver participants wear a wristband that emits a tracking signal. The wristband is a one-ounce, battery-operated transmitter that emits an FM radio signal every second, 24 hours a day. These products are supplied directly by Project Lifesaver International.
When caregivers notify York Regional Police their loved one is missing, a Search and Rescue team responds to the area where the person was last seen and utilizes a specialized mobile-location tracking system.

To find out more, including who is eligible and how to apply, click on this link to the York Regional Police web page about Project Lifesaver.

The Courage of Bl. Frederic Ozanam

Silk Workers' Revolt - Lyon

We pray at every conference meeting for the canonization of Bl. Frederic Ozanam, and we all know Bl. Frederic Ozanam to be a man for the poor. In the popular imagination this consists in giving alms to widows and orphans and those in need. While this is true, it is far from the whole picture that describes Frederic Ozanam. As a professor in Lyons and the Sorbonne universities with a doctorate in law, especially commercial law, Ozanam held forth in his lectures on the proletariat: the wage-earners whose only possession of significant material value is their labour-power. Regarding these workers Ozanam said in one of his now famous lectures at Lyons: "Exploitation occurs when the boss considers the worker not as a helper but as a tool that he has to drag the greatest possible service out of at the least possible price. Exploitation of a man by a man is slavery" (Lecture 24 at Lyons).

This was in 1840, eight years before Karl Marx published his Communist Manifesto. Frederic taught that workers had a duty to work in return for the right to a living wage for their families, including being able to educate their children and have time to relax to restore their strength. He was concerned not only with helping the poor in their need but also wanted to address the root causes of poverty. At the time, 26 year old Frederic needed much courage to teach this in his university lectures since the powerful wealthy political class considered this to be political gunpowder designed to stir up the working class to revolt as indeed some had in an earlier uprising by silk workers six years before. In those days, such teaching could have gotten Frederic Ozanam killed. It took another fifty years before official Catholic Social Teaching in the form of an encyclical by Pope Leo XIII validated what Frederic taught.


In the spirit of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, this Lent can be a good time to reflect on our attitudes towards the poor, and the assumptions, usually unconscious, which influence or govern our attitudes. We live in an age and society where many are trapped in precarious employment, many juggling two or even three low-paying, part-time jobs, many others are considered unemployable for reasons such as addiction and mental health, or simply because they are homeless, without an address and without a phone, where many children will leave school too soon and many others will not be able to take on the debt of post-secondary education; others who did are now hounded by debt-collectors. Our assumptions largely determine whether or not we merely want to help the poor in their material need or whether, like Blessed Ozanam, we also want to see social justice, to see the root causes of poverty addressed.