Action for Justice Blog
Mid-Atlantic Coalition Against Modern Slavery invites you to their Lenten Way of the Cross for victims of human trafficking on March 29th at 7:00 pm. Come share via Zoom the passion of Jesus and the story of Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking.
There have been a few disappointments in immigration and climate change issues this past week. I invite you to say a special prayer for our elected officials, especially those in whom we have so much hope. May their hearts open.
God who created humans from the dust of the ground, we pray flights immorally sending families away would stay grounded. Remove policies that hold communities in fear, and instead may we fast in repentance for ways we have been complicit in feeding such fears. Hold us accountable as a nation for cruel separations of families and racist practices, and Strengthen us to grow your Force of Love until the oppressed truly become free. Amen
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) “Seeing with the heart is seeing the world and our brothers through God's gaze…Faith cannot be reduced to a series of theoretical beliefs, traditions, and customs. It is a bond and a path along which we follow Jesus, who renews our way of seeing the world and our brothers.” (Pope Francis, Feb 19, 2022)
Keeping in mind yet another mass shooting, this time on the campus of Michigan State University, can we pray for those among us who are so angry and afraid that they see mass violence as an outlet for their emotions? Usually, I pray for the victims, sensible gun laws, and more mental health care in our country. I often struggle to pray for the individual who is so lost, they see this as a viable option.
During Black History Month, NETWORK is adding a call to us to “level up” our advocacy with prayer. They invite all justice-seekers, to join in.
February 1 begins Black History Month. This year, the theme is Black Resistance. It is a celebration of the ways Black America has protested and resisted racism and oppression. Xavier University has several prayers online for Black History Month. I hope you will find time for this in your prayer.
Two mass shootings have occurred in California in three days. The mental health of the gunmen is surely a factor, but a culture of violence and disrespect for life is too. The hardest part of the heartache is knowing there is little we can do except continue to advocate for health care and reasonable gun laws. And pray. We can indeed pray. I offer this prayer to you today.
In light of recent decisions by the Biden Administration blocking asylum claims, let us pray for a softening of the heart towards all fleeing violence, persecution, and poverty. Keep close to our hearts the needs of all who have no place to call home. We pray to the Lord!
Four members of our Justice, Peace, and Care for Creation Committee traveled to New Richmond, Ohio to tour sites on the Underground Railroad. Through the efforts of a local historian, these sites have been identified, and signage has been erected. Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Jo Depweg, Rebecca Trujillo, and committee member Regina Bajorek, and staff Teresa Phillips thoroughly enjoyed the day, led by historian Greg Roberts.
The Human Trafficking prayer calendar is available HERE in both English and Spanish for January 11 through the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita on February 8. I hope you will include these short prayers in your day.
In your Advent prayers today, could you make space to pray for the sanctity of voting rights in Ohio. The bills you learned about last week have advanced in the state legislature. It has been referred to the Rule and Reference Committee. I’ve never even heard of this committee. My usual sources do not know what this means or if this committee has the power to push the bill to the floor for a full vote. It’s almost like they make it confusing on purpose!
Happy Advent to you. I hope your journey Has been a fruitful one. I’m mixing apples and oranges today. Last week’s YLBG focused on eco-spirituality. Today I read a reflection about Teilhard de Chardin which, for me, sums up eco-spirituality in 14 words: “I worship a God who can be touched, and I do indeed touch him.”
Prayer for after the election, annual fair trade fundraising sale for Catholic Relief Services, and education events from the GU Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and the Catholic Climate Covenant.
Prayer for after the election, annual fair trade fundraising sale for Catholic Relief Services, and education events from the GU Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and the Catholic Climate Covenant.
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