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Pope Francis Proposes New Beatitudes Linking JPIC, Evangelization and Ecumenism November 21st, 2016
by Fr. Harry Winter, OMI
After his ecumenical celebration with Lutherans in Lund, Sweden, on Oct. 31, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for All Saints Day in nearby Malmo. During his homily on the Beatitudes, he proposed six new Beatitudes. Notice how they link together the various dimensions of our Catholic Faith:
- Blessed are those who remain faithful while enduring evils inflicted on them by others and forgive them from their heart.
- Blessed are those who look into the eyes of the abandoned and marginalized and show them their closeness.
- Blessed are those who see God in every person and strive to make others also discover him.
- Blessed are those who protect and care for our common home.
- Blessed are those who renounce their own comfort in order to help others.
- Blessed are those who pray and work for full communion between Christians.
Pope Francis observed that new situations require new energy and new commitment. It is also significant that the Prayer Intentions at the Mass were read in 5 European languages (Swedish, English, Spanish, German and Polish) as well as Arabic.
For the joy which we receive from working with other Christians, especially Lutherans, see the Christian Joy page, Mission-Unity-Dialogue website: www.harrywinter.org.
In one of the early translations after Vatican II, of the Scriptures into English for proclamation at Mass, the beatitudes became the “happytudes”: Happy are those, etc.
As we work for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation with other Christians, may we share more blessedness, happiness and joy!
A Very Difficult Situation: Venezuela (Originally Posted on OMI World) November 18th, 2016
Venezuela is going through a crucial political and economic crisis. Oblate Fr., superior of the OMI Mission, shares some of these challenges in his recent testimony on the national situation in the country.
Read Father Javier’s testimony: A Very Difficult Situation: Venezuela
Missionary Oblates partner organization, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) also recently brought together distinguished experts and insightful analysts for a discussion: Venezuela: What Can Be Done.
Watch a video of this event.
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles leads interfaith prayer service for peace, solidarity and unity November 11th, 2016
Archbishop José H. Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was joined by Mayor Eric Garcetti and several interfaith leaders of Los Angeles at a prayer service on Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to unite the community of faith in prayer and solidarity with all those expressing uncertainty and fear after the election, particularly the immigrant community.
Read the Archbishop’s homily.
Watch a video of the prayer service.
Visit the Archdiocese’s website.
Oblates JPIC Post Election Resource November 9th, 2016
As the American people prepare for the next White House Administration and 115th Congress, we too join in prayers and congratulate President-elect Donald Trump and incoming Members of Congress.
As people of faith, we believe this election was not a referendum on what separates us; it is a call to work for the common good, especially for the poor and vulnerable in our nation. Missionary Oblates JPIC will continue its work of solidarity and advocacy on issues that support human dignity, uphold integrity of creation and promote a more equitable and peaceful world.
In his historic 2015 address to the United States Congress, His Holiness Pope Francis reminded us how the golden rule should apply in political discourse:
“Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities, which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.”
Reacting to the 2016 presidential election, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered a pray for elected officials and called them to work for unity and promote the common good.
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Read USCCB’s statement on the elections: Coming Together As Faithful Citizens For The Common Good.
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US Catholic Bishops resource: Prayer After an Election.
Fr. Séamus Finn: Video Presentation on Business, Markets and the Common Good November 4th, 2016
In this video Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI, addresses Business, Markets and the Common Good: the Challenge of Laudato Si.
This public discussion was organized by Together for the Common Good (www.togetherforthecommongood.co.uk) at St Michael’s Cornhill, London, England.
