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It struck at 3:35 a.m. last week, in the darkness of the night; a loud rattling grew in intensity as the roof tiles went off like castanets clacking and clicking, rising to a crescendo as the building shook violently.
Murder is never the answer, and terrorism is the most cowardly of acts. But physical violence will continue as a reaction to real or imagined emotional violence. Is it an expression of power to ridicule another’s religious belief? It is always the powerless who suffer the consequences. Only the deranged bring bullets to the discussion. We need to stop hating each other.
Tragedies which have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives because of negligence, have pushed many, both in the Philippines and Korea, to seek justice for its hapless victims. Many, however, are still crying out for and seeking true justice because of the partial and corrupt concept of justice being espoused by some of those in power.
In a truly mature family where children are given affirmation, understanding, trust, encouragement and inspiration, children grow up fulfilled and satisfied children. They will attain a sense of freedom and will be constantly challenged to stand on their own feet, find freedom through education and community involvement, and mature friendships. They will be self-reliant and independent. They will not be the rebellious, prodigal children and will not see their parents as mere sources of money for personal gratification and selfish ambition.
After news about the violence perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria spread all over the world, many religious and non-government organizations pressured nations to act aggressively to neutralize the jihadist group. Despite being the subject of persecution, however, Christians, particularly the Catholic Church, have continually emphasized the need for a peaceful intervention to the crisis, no matter how brutal it has become.
Catholic social teaching is, unfortunately, the Church’s best kept secret.
One of the most important things for a happy meaningful life is to have a goal, a positive purpose that does good for others
and for ourselves. It can be helping in the community, volunteering in a Fair Trade shop, supporting in a shelter for the homeless, or raising funds for a worthy cause.
We all have to be caretakers of our God-given world; the garden of Eden is sadly wilting and dying and we, humans, will be dying in body and spirit with it – through disease, famine, and extreme weather events. Now it’s time to repent and make amends.
Homelessness can only be experienced by those who truly have nothing. But the experience of being homeless and poor can also enrich us, allowing us to appreciate what God has given us and to help those who have nothing to call home.
Emergency: Syria! Emergency: South Sudan! Emergency: Democratic Republic of the Congo! These are the alarming messages being displayed on the homepage of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (www.unhcr.org).
