Justice in the Year of Faith

In his Apostolic letter announcing the Year of Faith, Porta Fidei, Pope Benedict XVI states, "by their very existence in the world, Christians are called to radiate the word of truth that the Lord Jesus has left us." Pope Benedict encourages Catholics to study their faith, deepen their Eucharistic experience, and live out the faith fearlessly. He reminds us that our faith is not for Sunday only, but must be "professed, celebrated, lived and prayed."

Living our faith includes engaging regularly in acts of charity and justice. Acts of charity, such as serving at the soup kitchen, donating gently used clothes, or giving money to non-profit organizations, are wonderfully plentiful in Utah (though more is always needed). Acts of justice, on the other hand, are less well understood and harder to commit too.

Catholic justice requires that we speak up for the vulnerable – and not just the innocent. Catholic social teaching rests on the belief that all human life is sacred and all people deserve a life of dignity, whether incarcerated, undocumented, unborn, or of a different race, national origin, gender or sexual orientation than our own. Catholicism demands that we pronounce our belief in human dignity not only to those who agree with us, but also to those who vehemently disagree.

Though sometimes difficult, committing acts of justice renews and grows our faith. As Pope Benedict explains, "Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy." We are blessed with the freedom to express our views on political issues, without fear of any greater reprisal than a nasty comment on an Internet site or in an email. We must joyfully and respectfully take advantage of this freedom to explain our Catholic view of what makes a just society.

Fortunately, opportunities to share our faith are cheap and abundant. Acts of justice may be accomplished with little more than a computer (readily available at public libraries), a stamp or a telephone. For example, after the elections, Congress will take up the federal budget once again – a moral document in the eyes of our Church. Decisions about food stamps, defense spending, health care, and others impact all aspects of our beliefs, and we need to help our elected officials understand our faith-based positions on the issues.

Similarly, state legislators will make decisions about expanding Medicaid, treatment of immigrants in our community, care of creation through energy and public land policies, and whether legislative budget priorities will focus on the poor and vulnerable. Writing to our congressional delegation, calling a local legislator, or sending comments to the governor or a federal agency about proposed rules are a few ways to share our faith, while also renewing our spiritual lives.

Faith does not grow because we want it to; it requires purposeful reflection, engaged participation in the Sacraments, catechetical learning, and taking a few leaps of faith out of our comforts zone and into public displays of Catholic social teaching. The Year of Faith is the perfect time to delve deeper into our beliefs and spread the Word.

For regular information on legislative or other justice related actions, please sign up for the Prayer and Action Network – weekly email updates on Catholic social justice opportunities. Email jean.hill@dioslc.org to join.