Prioritize public transportation

July 12, 2018

153. The quality of life in cities has much to do with systems of transport, which are often a source of much suffering for those who use them. Many cars, used by one or more people, circulate in cities, causing traffic congestion, raising the level of pollution, and consuming enormous quantities of non-renewable energy. This makes it necessary to build more roads and parking areas which spoil the urban landscape. Many specialists agree on the need to give priority to public transportation. Yet some measures needed will not prove easily acceptable to society unless substantial improvements are made in the systems themselves, which in many cities force people to put up with undignified conditions due to crowding, inconvenience, infrequent service and lack of safety.

Source : Laudato Si'

Fr. Juan J. Sosa

www.stjosephmiamibeach.com

The biblical texts today address the theme of God’s election to those entrusted with a mission. This election, of God’s call to prophets and disciples, was resisted by many at first, but was ultimately embraced with a deep sense of commitment, as the Twelve demonstrate in today’s Gospel and Saint Paul in the Second Reading. In the First Reading, Amos maintains that he is only a shepherd, but ultimately agrees to follow the Lord’s request to preach a prophetic message to Israel. In Saint Mark’s Gospel, Jesus calls the Twelve and sends them with specific instructions to preach, teach, and to heal those whom they encounter on their journey.

In a beautiful hymn that appears in a Letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul praises God, who has chosen all of his children to experience the redemption brought about by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and to live in his love. Ask yourselves this week what it means for us to be chosen by God. An obvious answer may lead us to answer from the context of a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, of the commitment of the laity. However, the question is open enough to include the call of all the baptized to preach the good news with the strength of the Holy Spirit. It is important to include this broader vision in today’s liturgical celebration, and during the following week, it may serve as a source of dialogue for smaller groups in the community.

Fr. Juan J. Sosa
Pastor