The World's Next Genocide

After reading Left to Tell in CST, I do not think that warnings about a genocide should be taken lightly. It would be a shame if we let the rumors go without even considering that they might be true. According to CST, the international community should try its best to prevent a second genocide from occurring. The Rwanda genocide affected the lives of not just Rwanda but surrounding countries as well. Families and loved ones are still struggling to forgive. I think it is important to include Catholic Social Teaching on an international level; however, not everyone agrees with the Christian view on life. It might be possible but countries that do not allow Christianity in their country would not necessarily appreciate international decisions being made from Catholic Social justice point of view, but I definitely think CST should be included in decisions being made on an international level.

Silence begets violence

Everyone in the world is a puzzle piece to create what is known as mankind. We all need each other and when a piece is missing from a puzzle, the puzzle is incomplete. When tragedy strikes, anywhere, we all sympathize. The massacre in Newtown involved the innocent lives of not only teachers, but also innocent first graders. It is our job to help and comfort those in need. Catholic Social Teaching tells us that we have to help the helpless, and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Because of the event,more rules on guns and gun owners have been enforced. Our government has already starting planning ways in which our children and teachers can be safe at school.

Factory Fire

The Fire in Bangladesh is certainly a tragedy. The death of over one hundred workers is a great loss no matter where in the world you are. The working conditions in the Bangladesh factory were terrible. After reading this article, I was most upset by the fact that many of the stores denied that some of their products had been made there. Some stores claim that they have not had their products made in that factory in over a year or certain periods of time. In my opinion, I was disappointed in the ways in which many of the US stores responded to this fire. I think they (Wal-Mart, Sears, etc.) should contribute in some way to the rebuilding of the factory or pay for some of the losses. It is not fair that the factory workers should have to settle just because of the working conditions. I think a story like this is an eye opener to many of Disney, Wal-Mart, or Sears customers, and I hope that people around the world realize the dangers of poor working conditions and try to fix them.

Radical Forgiveness

After reading this blog, I though about all the little things that we, as human beings, tend to hold a grudge over. Often times we let such trivial things interfere and destroy our relationships, friendships, or even marriages. Pope John Paul II's ability to forgive someone, who almost killed him,is the quintessence of a good Christian. In the Bible, Jesus teaches us to forgive not just the little things people have committed against but also the big things. This story also relates to Immaculee Ilibagiza's story of how she forgave the individuals involved in the Rwanda Genocide. Even years after the Genocide, Immaculee was able to forgive one of the murderers that killed her family member. Jesus gives us the strength to forgive those we do not think we are capable of forgiving. In the last chapter of her book, Immaculee has a dream in which her brother says to her, "Now heal your heart. You must love, and you must forgive those who have trespassed against us." Forgiving others not only benefits the person who committed an act of transgression against you, but it also benefits you. Forgiveness helps heal us from whatever we cannot let go of.

How is the World Messy???

As Mr. Annan had quoted before, our world is "messy." There are many incidents that happen everyday and we react based on how we measure the tragedies that occur.  In human nature, we tend to look the other way with what we consider "minor" incidents such as burglary, or troubles in other countries. it is not until a major disaster such as a storm, or child soldiers, or murder. All troubles in life are important. There is no measure or scale to determined who suffered more. As Christians, God expects us to recognize the trouble of others and help in the best way that we can. We often hear about tragedies from the news. We, including me, sympathize for a short while then continue on with our lives. For example, with Kony 2012, many young people were excited to bring justice to the child soldier in Africa. Children were being drugged, abused, lied to, and taught horrible things. These innocent children were being brainwashed. Even I was excited to put posters up to help educate the public on the evil man behind these cruel doings. After the scandal, the enthusiasm and hop of saving the children went away. We never heard about child soldiers even until today, months later, but child soldiers are still a huge issue in Africa right now.  In order to ensure that we carry on God's work of justice, we must continue to explore these tragedies or injustices and educate other people on them.

Global Solidarity

 There are many issues surrounding different countries and their cultures. In many different countries, like Afghanistan, prostitution is a way for women to make their own money, because their rights are so limited. However, killing someone who desires to keep her self respect is unacceptable.  This case is pretty common anywhere. Many women have suffered abuse and are still suffering now. The struggle women face in the world are often overlooked by 'more important" matters; however, speaking out to bring justice to abused women is very important. Catholic Social Teaching shows us that solidarity means that we all look after each other. With solidarity, there is no social status/labels, gender discrimination, and no matter was too little to be dealt with. The world often response to natural disasters quicker and with more concern  than toward injustice. Our society becomes concerned with issues that everyone can sympathize with, and maybe they feel as though an injustice in the Middle East is less of a disaster than mother nature.

Resolution

Setting goals for the new year wlwyas help me to stay on track and keep organized. This year my New Year's Resolution includes:
-Reading my bible everyday= I try to read my bible as often as I can but at times I get too tired or I forget then I stop reading for weeks or months. This year I want to read the bible everyday.
- Bringing a friend to church= talking to someone about Jesus is a good way to witness, but actions speak louder than words. I hope to bring at least one friend to church this year.
- Pray more= Prayer is always a good way to give all my problems to Jesus. I hope to continue to pray everyday and gain a stronger relationship with the Lord.
- Witness= Alot of times, talking about Jesus to people who do not want to hear about him can be nerve wrecking and scary. I want to have enough strenth, bravery and confidence to be able to witness to those who don't know about Christ.
-Serve others= I am always so busy with school and other things that I hardly ever have time to stop and think about God or fast or spend time doing things that he would want me to do. This year I want to continue to involved in volunteer work like CSC and even outside of school.