Pastor's Page: The World We Long for
October 11, 2010
Wouldn't it be great to live in a world in which justice and peace replaced violence and destruction? A world in which the global economy provided a living wage for all people around the globe; where ethnic or religious hatred and warfare were replaced with religious tolerance and harmonious respect and mutual understanding? Would it not be wonderful to live in a world where the dignity of human life was respected in all its forms and at all its stages, from womb to tomb?
The author of the book of Genesis wrestled with the pain and agony of life on earth. His experience and ours was one of division and disharmony. Why were human beings, so intricately formed and capable, at odds with one another bringing violence and destruction, rather than cooperation and peaceful coexistence?
Why did nature not work consistently to their advantage? Heavy rains and flooding, droughts, earthquakes and hurricanes made the world a dangerous place and very difficult for survival.
The creation account in the beginning of Genesis offers the biblical writers insight into the God who has revealed himself to Abraham and the patriarchs, to Moses and the prophets. Harmony and unity was always God's intention. "God saw it and it was good." "In the divine image he made them, male and female he created them." Once upon a time there had been a paradise and the day would come, when peace and justice will prevail. In the meantime we long for the day of fulfillment, wanting to be in harmony with one another, with ourselves, our environment and ultimately with God.
In 1995 in his encyclical, The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II cried out in defense of human life, recognizing its origins in God the Creator. He called for legislation that will support the common good of society. He denounced laws which violate an innocent person's natural right to life as unjust and invalid as law. He stated that unjust laws that destroy life rather than safeguarding, promoting and protecting life, undermine the very fabric of society.
As he had in his address to the United Nations, John Paul listed violations of life, and the Gospel of Life. He included: abortion (since 1973 the U. S. Roe vs. Wade decision that allowed abortion on demand, 50,000,000+ children have had their lives ended in their mother's womb); oppression of the poor and economic exploitation; abuse of the aged, genetic manipulation, sexism, the arms race and modern warfare with the destruction of the lives of non-combatants; sexual exploitation and pornography; and euthanasia just to name a few social justice issues.
Our Christian faith means living as Christ lived. We are not interested in getting our way, but God's way, of changing the world into God's kingdom of peace and love. It is the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us, that enables us to be warriors for peace and justice.
What can you do? You cannot do everything, but you can do something! Choose an issue that ignites your passion, and dedicate yourself to it.
Peace,
Father Bruce
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