Justice
A New Genesis Community members stay informed and engage in ongoing learning in order to stand in solidarity with vulnerable people who struggle for peace and economic justice in our nation and world. We advocate to our legislators for just causes in support of human rights and dignity for all people. Gospel values and Catholic social teaching motivate our efforts for peace and justice. We strive to speak and act on behalf of those who overlooked and without a voice.
ANG - Eucharist and Justice
~ Sr. Diane Baumann, New London, WI
How are Eucharist and justice connected? I’ve been thinking about that question
for a few months now, struggling to find the words to express that connection.
In a flash of insight, I saw in my mind the scene from the movie, “Romero,” in which
the now St. Oscar Romero is assassinated at the altar while he is celebrating Mass.
Oscar Romero paid the ultimate price of working for justice – and he paid that price right during the celebration of the Eucharist. Though he was seen as a conservative selection for Archbishop, he went through a process of gradual conversion, choosing justice for the struggling people of El Salvador over the relationships he had with the rich and powerful. Perhaps it was the experience of the Eucharist day after day that gave him the courage to stand up for justice and the rights of all the oppressed people.
As he said the words, …”this is my Body, which will be given up for you,” it is possible that he knew he would someday be joining his body to the Body of Christ, “giving up all” for the people. He had received death threats, but stayed the course of action for the sake of the suffering. He had seen the tortured and dead bodies of his friends. What courage it must have taken for him to stand firm, nourished day by day through the power of the Word proclaimed at Mass and through the Body and Blood of Jesus, the Universal Christ.
So what does that say about our lives within justice and Eucharist? It is unlikely that we will die as martyrs. One of our Community members has said, tongue-in-cheek, to me: “I don’t know if I want to be a saint. They have to suffer too much.” Yet, we’ve all had moments when we had to stand up for something we believed in and suffered for it. But hopefully we too were strengthened by the Word of God at Mass. Hopefully we were fed by the Eucharistic feast and empowered to keep going.
At this time in the history of our nation and world, there are issues on which we will need to stand firm. Together we can support one another as we seek wisdom from the Word of God and the energy and power to act that comes from the Eucharist. Together we can continue to move forward, pouring ourselves out for others.
MY CALL TO ACTION, A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD
By Kathy Damon
Appleton, WI
My Dad lived 95 years, including three years in WWII, battling tyranny and defending
democracy. After the war, he spent nearly 40 years studying and teaching American
history, striving to make a difference. The values for which Dad risked his life abroad are
ones that, sadly and shamefully, are now at risk in our own country. Dad would be SO hurt,
angry, and yes, even ashamed. I am sure he could never imagine that our own country
would both choose and allow leaders willing to disobey the constitution, harm its citizens,
and dissolve our democracy.
Dad is gone. Now it is my turn to take a stand as a citizen of the U.S. and of the world. My own set of marching orders calls me to stay informed, to meet and listen to candidates, to vote in every election, and to share information with friends and neighbors. I knock on doors and remind people to vote. I march for causes supporting human rights and democratic principles. Is all this comfortable? No, but It is necessary.
After a lifetime of service, my Dad rests in peace. Now, as his daughter, it is my turn to serve. You were a great role model, Dad. May my service honor your legacy.
