Soldiers of Conscience

I think it is a good thing that women are allowed to participate in combat now. Gender equality is an important movement right now and I think that this is major progress taking place. If I were drafted into the military, I’m not absolutely positive what my status as a solider would be. Although it would be difficult to face the thought and morality that the victims of my army’s hands are someone’s child, lover, or parent, I think I would identify as a soldier. Considering the fact that if a war is taking place, our country, its people and their liberty must be at stake. If there were the slightest chance that anyone I cared about would be hurt during or in the aftermath of the war, I would fight in order to protect them. I would hope that the victims would return to God after their valiant fighting for their people.

Hotel Rwanda

I believe Jack’s statement is right when he bluntly says, “If people see this footage, they’ll say ‘Oh, my God, that’s horrible,’ and then they’ll go on eating their dinners." I think that most people feel that if something terrible will not affect them, they don’t necessarily need to stop it. Presently, there are many horrific things going on in our world today. What strikes me as something to be considered is that people most definitely are more gung-ho about helping human suffering when it directly involves them. For example, the Boston Marathon bombing drew so much news coverage within moments of its occurrence and we, as Americans, have become so passionate to fight this act of terrorism. But what about the Rwandan genocide? It took much longer for any information about it, including its existence, to be known. I certainly would want to get people to help. If one is fortunate enough to have the assets and capability to provide help, more power to them. But even an average person could raise awareness by better educating others with the situation at hand. That’s where one could start to make a difference.

Restorative Justice

I think that restorative justice is an appropriate alternative to the standard justice system, but only with some cases. I think restorative justice was properly used in the Connor McBride case. Although the killing was horrific, it wasn’t impersonal. The two young adults had been in each other’s lives for several years; their families were very close to each other. I think that it was ideal case to use this alternative ruling because it gives the victim, or in this case the family, a better understanding of what happened and why it happened. Obviously, I feel as though it would only be realistic if the victim and their family were open to such a ruling. This can most certainly be the type of rulings that Catholic Social teaching prefers. There’s more room for understanding, forgiveness and closure, which is what the Catholic Church encourages.

Pope

As I have grown up in a very alternative family, I personally believe that the next Pope should be more open minded with issues that the Catholic Church has yet to embrace. Jesus’ main message from God was love. He healed those who were crippled from their birth. He sought out the leapers who were ostracized from society and healed them so they could be apart of the community once again. When the prostitute washed his feet for repentance, he granted her forgiveness. Why are there some strict laws in the catholic community that alienate people who have a strong faith for God and Jesus’ kindness to those who were not fully accepted in society? I just hope that the next Pope can be as loving and progressive as Jesus was.

Recovery in Lent

Ever since I’ve been young, my mom has always told me that giving something up for Lent is not as beneficial as doing good and examining one’s self. This year for Lent, I’ve decided to learn from my mistakes more so than I have ever done before. Not only am I striving to learn from my mistakes, I want to be more willing to take responsibility for them, seeking forgiveness and mending past relationships I have regrettably lost. Additionally, authenticity is a trait envied by those who have come across it in the presence of another. I would be appreciative if I could be as genuine as some of the people that I am most fortunate to have crossed my path. To do this I must be true to myself and others I have hurt. My theme for the Lenten season is recovery. Regaining friendship, obtaining responsibility and adapting to the outcomes life hands me.

Roses in December

Having viewed the documentary of Roses in December, I admire S. Ita Ford, S. Maura Clarke, S. Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan’s courageous actions as they helped the people in war torn El Salvador. These women are kept in the Catholic community’s thoughts and prayer, for they did not deserve to die. It is important to know of peoples’ devotion to work, especially when they are killed because of it. Watching Jean Donavan’s family, friends, and fiancé in the video was very upsetting because they asked her, pleaded with her not to return to El Salvador, that she would most likely be killed for her societal services. But to no avail, she would not comply with them. The documentary showed how many people loved her and how distraught they were when she was taken from them. She had a feeling she’d probably be killed with her return to El Salvador, but helping the orphans and people in the damaged country was her calling and desired fulfillment in her short life. I think the writer thought Jean Donovan, along with the other sisters, should be remembered because this tragic event is a model of devotion and commitment to something of which one feels strongly.

Theology of Suffering

Kenneth R. Overberg identifies three important points referring the Jesus and suffering: he resisted and eliminated suffering, he rejected suffering as punishment for sin, and he trusted a compassionate, present God. My interpretation of the points is that Jesus helped the beggars, lepers, etc because he himself did not want to see his people suffer. I mean who could ever watch someone of whom they cared suffer? Even after he relieves many of their sufferings, he continues to advise others that God is not punishing them. Additionally, many believe that God is a fair God to everyone as long as they repent for their sins; if they turn to God, He will forgive them. Lastly, Jesus was able to keep his faith in God throughout his persecution and crucifixion. For that, Jesus was resurrected, rewarded, for remaining faithful to God because that’s the primary reason why he was sent from God, to redeem our own suffering. The Theology of Atonement and Ransom, if I understand correctly, is the belief that God sent a part of himself to his people to repay a debt of sin. The people watch Jesus’ suffering and death and later rather than sooner, people realized that it was benefiting them, redeeming them. The Theology of Incarnation believes that God sent Jesus to share His divine life and love to his people, to spread faith and acceptance by the hand of his Incarnation. I personally prefer the theology of Incarnation because I don’t really understand the beliefs that Jesus, God’s son and incarnation, was sent to repay a debt to God himself and redeem us for our sins. I believe that Jesus was a quality guy who spread positive energy to people he met. He wanted harmony between the people and their neighbors in addition to harmony between people and God.