Social problems must be addressed by community

October 17, 2019

219. Nevertheless, self-improvement on the part of individuals will not by itself remedy the extremely complex situation facing our world today. Isolated individuals can lose their ability and freedom to escape the utilitarian mindset, and end up prey to an unethical consumerism bereft of social or ecological awareness. Social problems must be addressed by community networks and not simply by the sum of individual good deeds. This task “will make such tremendous demands of man that he could never achieve it by individual initiative or even by the united effort of men bred in an individualistic way.

The work of dominating the world calls for a union of skills and a unity of achievement that can only grow from quite a different attitude.” (Romano Guardini: The End of the Modern World, 65-66)

The ecological conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion.

Source : Laudato Si'

Fr. Robert Tywoniak

Blessed Sacrament Church

Was She a Persistent Person Or a Nag?

The woman in the story was not a nag but persistent. She understood what was just, knew that contemporary social norms kept justice from her and advocated for her rights. The lady was confident and brave.

As a widow in her time she had no rights. A woman’s status depended on the man she was attached to. When a husband died the widow must be taken in by her son or perhaps the brother of the deceased. If there was no man willing to marry her she was nearly worthless. Partly the story speaks to the equality of human dignity meant for every gender and ethnicity.

Secondly, the story illustrates how one must be fervent and persistent in prayer. Such is not only a matter of advocacy before God, as though God does not know what is just, but moreover a discovery of what is right by the one who prays. Prayer is practiced with a sense of responsibility.

One may not ask God for whatever pleases one individually. It would not be God’s nature to grant a personal request that impinges on another’s rights. Rather, petitionary prayer ought to integrate the needs of all and bring a community to solidarity of intent, purpose and outcome. The first reading from the Book of Exodus illustrates this notion of responsibility in prayer.

Amalek, an enemy of Israel, came to wage war against the people. Moses called the people to arms in order to defend themselves. As Joshua led the men in battle Moses raised his hands to God. It was a gesture that showed respect to the one true God and declared Him the peoples help and defender. God was their fortress.

Further, note this prayer gesture was a team effort. As Moses' arms became tired Aron and Hur held them up for Moses. As long as Moses arms were raised up to the glory of God Joshua and his fighting men succeeded in defending Israel. Their intent and purpose was a just one. It led to a good outcome.

So, what about to today and us.

Whenever an individual petitions God he or she must examine the intent, purpose and desired outcome of the prayer request. One must discern if there is an alignment between a just cause and just outcome and the means used.The same examination of conscience must be made by an entire community of people when praying. If all lines up to be just for all then the petition is a good one. At that point, one may be like the widow and persist in the prayer. Perhaps even be a nag.

Fr. Robert Tywoniak
Pastor