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JUSTICE BULLETIN BOARD

But they are in peace.

Today, when we commemorate all souls of the faithful departed, this first reading from the Book of Wisdom shows some of the first indications of the belief that the deceased survive physical death. The footnote to Wisdom 3:3 points the reader to Isaiah 57: 2 which states, “the just man enters into peace.” Being just in life brings peace in death. This got me  thinking about how polarization prevents us from living a just life. Polarization is the “us vs. them” mentality, the kind of thinking that says if you don’t agree with me, you are against me. This kind of thinking does not build consensus and consensus, along with dialogue, is needed to build peace.

The late Pope Francis, in his Angelus address 9/1/13, states, “I repeat forcefully: it is neither a culture of confrontation nor a culture of conflict which builds harmony within and between peoples, but rather a culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue; this is the only way to peace. May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone. . .”                            .  http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2013/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20130901.html

Living a just and non-violent life is hard to do on a daily basis—it is difficult to be open, to actively listen, and be reflective with people who may not agree with you. Yet, to emulate Jesus, this is exactly what is required of us—to do the right, love goodness, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6: 8).

—Wisdom 3: 3If you are looking for a group working to reflect Christ’s peace, check out Pax Christi USA. In their Statement of Principles (9/16/2020), they state that their principles have been shaped, “first, by our deep trust in the gospel message of Jesus which reminds us that what is foundational to every decision we make is our responsibility to love God through loving our neighbor, both near and far, with a preferential option for those who are impoverished. Second, these priorities are shaped by the transformational principles of Catholic Social Teaching, designed to guide us in applying the gospel message to our common life together as one people, within and outside current borders. . .a spirituality of nonviolence, our history as peacemakers, and a commitment to work for that justice which affirms the dignity of all human beings, individually and collectively, and assures peace for all creation.” Statement of Principles – Pax Christi USA

May you live a just life that brings peace in death.

Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director

Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC